I learned some new things about hummingbirds this week. First, I learned that for years now, I have had two types of hummingbirds coming to my feeders.
I knew that I had broad-tailed hummers — they are the most common hummingbirds in the Western US. With a flashy red throat “gorget” and a metallic ringing sound when they zip by, it’s easy to know that they’re around.
But this week I discovered that I have even more delightful hummers visiting — a family of calliope hummingbirds.
Calliope hummingbirds are the smallest hummers in North America. The male isn’t as showy as his larger cousin. He has purple streaks on his throat instead of a red gorget.
Both sexes of calliope hummers have the charming habit of flicking their tails as they hover.
And they seem to like to flick out their tongues after they have fed.
Notice that he has lower eyelashes.
But the final thing that I learned about hummingbirds this week is that they have eyelashes.
Amy Law, Science Geek 
This is just wonderful! Did you take ALL of the photos. Maybe the title should be Eyelashes and Hummingbird Tongues.
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I don’t think we have calliope hummers. Unfortunately we do have the rufous, who chases the poor broadtails away. Great shots, Amy!
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