I have some pictures from a trip to Costa Rica that captured the only known carnivorous hummingbirds known to exist. That trait plus the fact that they are cannibalistic was feared destined to eliminate the species in short order. In fact, the pictures were taken in the late 80s and they might all be gone by now.

I wonder if the pictures are worth something?

(trying to find the appropriate smilie...) Oh, here it is:

 

In your case FB it could be either or both. Here's a link that breaks down distribution by state/province:

http://www.hummingbirds.net/states.html

It's probably more correct to say they are the only hummers to breed east of the Mississippi. But even that is uncertain.

We have observed Rufous hummers here, particularly in late summer, early fall when they're starting south on their migration. They're pretty much the Sopwith Camels of hummers, very fast and manuverable.

 

[QUOTE=bborzell,Dec 25 2005, 01:35 PM]I have some pictures from a trip to Costa Rica that captured the only known carnivorous hummingbirds known to exist.

 

Here's a Reader's Digest - style essay (~800 words) I wrote about hummers a couple of years ago. It addresses a couple of the points raised here; and I really did have four species. This was at an office in the woods I had at Los Alamos. And, once again: Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, all. HPH

Stroking the Hummingbird

 

I'm a Hummingbird fan, too!

During my trip to Pebble Beach to see the Concours in August, I stayed in Big Sur and was delighted to see a swarm of Hummingbirds outside my cottage.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch an image of the little beauties but here is an image of a Jay I befriended there:



and here is an image of the pacific coastline taken from my cliffedge cabin:

 

Gotta use lots of these I believed you didn't think they had feet!

 

OUCH!!!!

 

I saw many species of hummers in Ecuador a few years ago. I recall reading that about 90% of the existing types of hummingbirds are found in the high-altitude rainforests there. One of the outfitters out of Quito does tours to see them

 

More info: Hummingbird Society

 

Anyone ever heard of the "hummingbird moth"? We saw one similar to this one this past summer. At first we thought it was a very small hummingbird, but it didn't look quite right.



Here's a link: http://howardfamilyhomepage.net/page5b.html