Gorgeted Sunangel
Bellavista, Ecuador – August 14, 2006
— Ralph Paonessa
Canon EOS-1D Mark II * EF500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4X * ISO 640 * 1/40 sec @ f/6.3
Sunangels are small hummingbirds with a lot of attitude. Viewed at the right angle, the iridescent gorget (throat feathers) lights up like a laser beam, enhanced by on-camera fill flash. The head angle foreshortens the bill, but highlights the "bug eyes" common to all hummers, a defense against predators.
Photo ID: 20060814-1451