Rufous Hummingbird - Selasphorus rufus

These photos were taken close to the Elbow River and I have seen this hummingbird in the same perch on a regular basis. Another Rufous Hummingbird has established my garden as his territory and he is usually perched on the top of a Mayday every morning.  

The territorial display involves a high climb and then a J-shaped dive to one quadrant of the territory. As the bird descends the vibration of the tail feathers makes a unique sound. 

These hummingbirds are very assertive and they drive off the Calliope and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Earlier in the spring all three hummingbirds were in the garden but the Rufous drove off the Calliope Hummingbirds every time they visited a feeder. Now only the Rufous is around on a regular basis.