How does the flank wash color typically differ between female Costa's and Black-chinned Hummingbirds?
Answer
Female Costa's may show a slightly greener wash, unlike the buffy tone on Black-chinned flanks
While both female Costa's and female Black-chinned Hummingbirds generally possess pale gray or whitish undersides, subtle differences in flank coloration can aid identification. Female Black-chinned Hummingbirds are noted for possibly showing a subtle wash of buff color on their flanks. In contrast, female Costa's Hummingbirds are described as tending to be slightly paler overall on the belly and might display a slightly greener wash on the flanks, setting them apart from the buffier tone characteristic of the Black-chinned.
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