Abstract

GREENEY, Harold F.; HOUGH, Eric R.; HAMILTON, Chris E.  and  WETHINGTON, Susan M.. Nestling growth and plumage development of the Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) in southeastern Arizona. Huitzil [online]. 2008, vol.9, n.2, pp.35-42. ISSN 1870-7459.

We studied plumage development and growth of nestling Black-chinned Hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri) in southeastern Arizona. Nestlings fledge after 20-22 days and reach a maximum weight of around 4.16 g prior to fledging; approximately 126% of adult weight. Nestlings hatch with 11 pairs of beige neossoptiles, in two dorsal rows. Contour pin feathers begin emerging through the skin around day 6. Wing pin feathers begin emerging from their sheaths around day 12, and contour feathers begin breaking sheaths around day 9. We provide a photographic key to aging nestlings in the field and the first published record of growth rates for this species.

Keywords : photographic key; nestling aging; growth curve.