Boldly colored and perky, the Anna’s hummingbird is a year-round star of the western hummingbird species. This is one of few hummingbirds to stay in most of its range throughout the year, and in doing so it brings a touch of color and personality to birders’ backyards in every season.
Common Name:
Anna’s Hummingbird
Scientific Name:
Calypte anna
Appearance:
- Bill: Long and black, straight
- Size: 3.5-4 inches long with 4.75-inch wingspan, rounded wing tips
- Colors: Reddish pink, white, green, gray
- Markings: Dimorphic species. Males have an iridescent pinkish red head, throat and neck, while the chest, abdomen and sides are gray with a green tint. Wings and tail are dark and there is a pale eye ring. Females have a green crown, back and tail. The chest, throat and abdomen are pale gray, and the pale gray throat has central dark red spots or splotches. The wings and tail are dark and there are white spots on the outer tail feathers. Females have a white patch over the eye.
Foods:
Insects, spiders, nectar, sap
Habitat and Migration:
Anna’s hummingbirds can be found along the Pacific coast from central Baja to southern British Columbia, as well as in southern Arizona. They prefer open woodland and riparian habitats, though they are well adapted to urban and suburban parks and gardens. Extreme northern and southern populations may migrate, but most of the birds remain in their territory throughout the year.
Vocalizations:
Like most hummingbird species, Anna’s hummingbirds are not extremely vocal. They will make a very high pitched, raspy buzz as well as “chip” and “pip” notes when perched or while chasing intruders.
Behavior:
Anna’s hummingbirds are the carnivores of hummingbirds, and while they do feast on nectar they typically eat more insects and spiders than most other hummingbird species, even to the point of perching near spider webs to pluck off trapped insects. They are solitary but abundant birds, and the fact that they usually hold their tail still while hovering can be a key to their identification.
Reproduction:
These hummingbirds are polygamous and most of the nesting and rearing of young birds is up to the female. She will incubate a brood of 2 eggs for 15-19 days and then care for the young birds for 18-22 days until they leave the nest. Anna’s hummingbirds may raise 2-3 broods per year.
Attracting Anna’s Hummingbirds:
Anna’s hummingbirds are easily attracted to backyards where they can find nectar flowers and hummingbird feeders. Because these birds eat a large quantity of insects, birders should avoid using insect traps, pesticides or insecticides.
Similar Birds:
- Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
- Black-Chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Anna’s Hummingbird - Male
Photo © Don DeBold
Anna’s Hummingbird - Female
Photo © Just Chaos
