The name Selasphorus comes from ancient Greek meaning "light bearing." The throat feathers (or gorget) of this Allen's Hummingbird appear as a dull brown from certain angles. The iridescent colors of the same feathers are caused by refraction when a ray of light strikes the microscopic structure of the feather barbules - just like a prism that splits light into a rainbow of colors. Thank you, Mother Nature, for these amazing little wonders!
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