Male Anna’s Hummingbirds are some of the most beautiful birds. In addition to iridescent green feathers, they have a striking pink gorget (chin/throat) and head. In some lighting conditions, these feathers are dull and black, but when the sun hits it right, it gives off a brilliant pink flare. Of course, they mostly use this to deter their rivals, standing up their feathers to reflect the sun. One of these pictured is a permanent resident, perched in the same spot every day defending his feeders.

Also included are some immature Anna’s. They are very cute, fluffy, and small. They are also starting to grow in their pink feathers, in a patchy gorget. However, they already the fiery spirit of the adults, fiercely defending their food source and playing, fighting, and chasing each other.

The females aren’t as aggressive, so they have to get sneaky. Sometimes one will hide near the feeder, waiting for the male to leave to eat. I wonder if they cooperate, taking turns with one get chased away by the male and the other eating…