A common western hummingbird, the black-chinned hummingbird does have a black chin, but that is not its best identifying characteristic. Instead, the iridescent purple band and contrasting white collar of the males is a clear indication of the species, and those field marks are invaluable for this widespread, adaptable bird.
Common Name:
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Scientific Name:
Archilochus alexandri
Appearance:
- Bill: Needle thin, straight, long
- Size: 3.5 inches long with 4-5-inch wingspan, notched tail
- Colors: Green, black, gray, white, purple
- Markings: Dimorphic species. Males have a green head, back and flanks. The chin and throat are black, and an iridescent purple band at the bottom of the throat also appears black except in excellent light. A white collar contrasts with the throat and the chest is grayish white with a green wash on the flanks. The wings and tail are dark. Females have similar markings but have a white throat that may show faint green streaking, and the corners of the tail are white. Both genders have broad, curved wingtips.
Foods:
Nectar, insects
Habitat and Migration:
Black-chinned hummingbirds are very adaptable to different habitats and can be found in arid areas as well as riparian regions. They prefer shaded areas and are often found in mountain foothills, canyons and urban gardens. Their summer range includes the Rocky Mountains and related ranges from western Texas north to Idaho and eastern Washington and Oregon, as well as the southern California coastline and parts of northern Mexico. In winter, these birds migrate to the central western coast of Mexico and the Gulf Coast in the United States.
Vocalizations:
These hummingbirds do not sing, and their call notes are a sharp, high “pip-pip-pip” that is repeated rapidly. When aggressive, they also use a raspy chatter, and their wings hum in flight.
Behavior:
Male black-chinned hummingbirds have spectacular courtship behavior that includes a pendulum-shaped dive of 60-100 feet past a perched female. Outside the mating season, these are solitary birds, though there can be several in the same general region. When feeding or hovering, they will pump, flick or flip their tails, occasionally with the tail feathers spread. Black-chinned hummingbirds are territorial and will perch on a high branch to survey their territory. If that territory is violated, they will chase intruders.
Reproduction:
These are polygamous birds and a male will mate with several females without providing any incubation care. The female will incubate a brood of 1-3 eggs for 14-16 days, and she will continue to feed the altricial hatchlings for 14-21 days until they leave the nest. One female may raise 2-3 broods annually.
Attracting Black-Chinned Hummingbirds:
Black-chinned hummingbirds regularly visit hummingbird feeders and they can be attracted by nectar-producing flowers. Backyard birders should avoid pesticide sprays that would eliminate crucial insects as a food source. These hummingbirds will also hover in a mister to bathe or may visit a birdbath with a bubbler or other motion.
Similar Birds:
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
- Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer)
- Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
- Broad-Tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
Photo – Black-Chinned Hummingbird – Male © Michael Woodruff
Photo – Black-Chinned Hummingbird – Female © Michael Woodruff
