The Rufous Hummer 
Rufous Hummers are very fond of the blossoms of the eucalyptus 
tree, and this towering exotic is not only responsible for the presence 
of a hundred hummers at once, but in a measure also for the withdrawal 
of the birds from their humbler and more wonted ranges of observation. It 
is a pretty sight to see 
hummers as thick as bees, 
but it is a bit provoking, 
as well, to think that 
there may be as many as 
six species aloft which 
are no better than one 
to you. In the north 
they are more fortunate 
who can see these hum¬ 
mers swarming about a 
lowly bush of flowering 
currant. At such a time 
there may be a dozen 
birds about at once. The 
bush seems fairly aquiver 
with their vibrating wings. 
The birds are exceedingly 
quarrelsome, and the 
intrusion of a newcomer 
may be the signal for a general pursuit and much clashing of tongues. 
The rattling noise made by the Rufous Hummer is apparently a vocal 
sound accompanying flight, rather than a by-product of the wing-beat. 
One morning in Tacoma, we saw a young dandy in a fine fury. His 
exhibition of temper was undoubtedly on our account, although there 
seemed to be no precisely defined objective. The bird first towered 
slowly with bill held straight up, as. though in infinite disdain. When at 
a height of 75 feet he darted to one side and then swept down in a passion, 
giving vent, at the lowest point of the curve, to an explosive rattle of 
unquestionable ferocity. Then he would face about sputtering and 
murmuring to note the effect made upon us. Finding us unmoved, 
rooted to the spot, indeed, with admiration, the little bully repeated the 
process again and again, pausing only to vary his tactics by a slow and 
menacing advance with distended gorget flaming in the morning sun. 
We were cowed, to be sure, and we crept away with the consoling thought 
that nobody would tell on us if we fled. Or—now, do you suppose there 
could have been a mischievous coquette applauding softly from behind 
that screen of dogwood blossoms? 
2 
Taken in Washington Photo by the Author 
TREASURE TROVE FOR THE HUMMERS 
COBWEBS ARE LARGELY UTILIZED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HUMMINGBIRD’S NEST 
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