Is this a female Rufus Hummingbird?

[mark]

Since January, this hummingbird has been a frequent, solitary visitor to our feeders in Winter Springs.
The colorations on the throat indicate it might be a female Rufus.  If anyone can confirm or suggest another identification, I would appreciate it!

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[Steve Backes]

This is a young male Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The central gorget spot is in the right place for an adult female Rufous but the heavy stippling around it indicates a young male. The green on its flanks would be rufous and I would expect to see some rufous coloration on its face if it were a Rufous. I believe a lot of the "reddish-brown" color on your bird (on the throat and the belly) is a result of reflecting light off of the feeder.

This is a photo of a female Rufous in my yard. It's not the best but you can see how the flanks on your bird are too dark and green to be a Rufous.


aP1040456 by stevebackes1, on Flickr

Steve

[mark]

Thanks for the identification, Steve. Most of the bird ID sites have photos and descriptions of male and female, but not much on immature birds. I know the odds are overwhelming that a hummer in Winter Springs is a Ruby-throat, but this one didn't match up with the colorations. Last year we had a pair coming to the feeders, and the male would chase off any other hummers. I am always in awe of those feeders with multiple birds and none showing much caution in the presence of humans. Thanks again!