Anna’s Hummingbird — Colibrí de Cabeza Roja (Calypte anna)

This is a female Anna’s Hummingbird, another common species in central California. Notice that she is perched with only one foot. Hummingbirds are not perching birds and their feet are like filigree. They will tear off like cobwebs if the birds aren’t handled correctly.

The only reason I have perches at these feeders is to attract Hooded and Bullock’s Orioles. Some people put out so-called oriole feeders. I never had much success with oriole feeders, but I heard a rumor once that orioles like “spouts.” Thus you see a modified hummingbird feeder, and I must say, if you want orioles in your backyard, this is the way to attract them.