Tropical Audubon Society

South Florida’s Voice of Conservation

Impossible to tell from that photo. Ruby-throated and Black-chinned are very similar in size and shape, and both show a dark gorget. The only way to tell would be 1) the Black-chinned flashes purple on the throat instead of ruby in the right light, and 2) the Black-chinned pumps its tail much stronger than Ruby-throated. If you see it again watch for these field marks.

Thanks! I'll be on the lookout for those field marks if it returns.

they usually don't go to feeders in winter-ive tried many times

There was one in January 2008 in Titusville that came into a feeder-see photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/joelnrosenthal/2223666598. And to this amateur the bad photo shows a bill that looks longer than a ruby throat's--so I vote for black chinned. But get a better camera, John.

The wings are pointy on a Ruby-throated Hummingbird and paddle shaped or rounded on a Black-chinned Hummingbird. I think the photo shows a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, it looks like pointy wings to me.

Thanks to all, if it returns I now know specific field marks to look for.