What feature characterizes the Black-chinned Hummingbird male gorget?
Answer
A deep black center followed by a distinct purple or violet band below it
The male Black-chinned Hummingbird's gorget presents a layered appearance when the light catches it correctly. The central portion of the throat is dominated by a deep, velvety black color. The key differentiator is that immediately beneath this black section, there is a narrow, iridescent border composed of purple or violet feathers. This lower band is crucial, as the bird lacks the wide, dramatic side flares seen in the Costa's species, resulting in a much narrower overall gorget presentation.
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