Where is Olive?
After much discussion and analysis, we don’t think this bird is Olive. Here’s why:
• White head feathers: Although Olive previously had white head feathers, such markings are not reliable for individual bird identification.
• Nest style: The nests previously observed in the Ficus tree differ in structure from the new nest in the liquid amber tree. Olive’s previous nests were otherwise consistent in design.
• Dots: The dots on the underside of Olive’s tail feathers are different from the new bird’s. However, these dots may slightly change after each molt.
For these reasons, we’re unable to confirm the bird’s identity.
This new bird’s behavior is very similar to Olive’s so, wishfully thinking, this could be one of her chicks, but we will never know.
Olive’s life is well protected, and she is deeply loved in her backyard home. With John’s dedicated time and attention, she can easily thrive well beyond the typical five-year lifespan.
The family dynamic in hummingbirds hasn't been thoroughly studied. Generational nest areas have been confirmed by active learning and been documented on our website.
We will continue to watch for Olive to see what she is up to.
When Did the Change Happen?
Olive on swing with 4 white feathers
I believe the changeover started occurring in early summer, when Olive began molting and moved to the swing. She had never perched on the swing before, so it was clear that something had changed.
Over the next couple of months, she molted extensively, losing all of her feathers at one point or another, including the distinctive white head feathers.
📹 Video of Olive Spending Her Summer Molting on Her Swing
Olive chasing another hummingbird off her swing summer 2025
During this period, there was also significant territorial activity.
📹 Video of Olive Chasing Another Hummingbird from Her Swing - Slow Motion.
The bird we believed to be Olive moved back to the Ficus tree and continued molting. At the time, we did not think much of it—we assumed we were simply waiting for the feathers to grow back.
After a few more months, the bird was looking healthy again, but the white head feathers never returned.
This new bird also took over the feeder at the kitchen window.
Since 2012 there have been at least 5 differant birds using the patio. Keep in mind the other hummingbirds know the patio well. With Ficus trees offering protected nesting and a feeder by the kitchen window, it’s the most desired spot in the yard—every bird dreams of making it their own someday.