Black-chinned Hummingbird

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is widely distributed in the western part of the United States in the summer.  They are very closely related to their eastern U.S. counterpart, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.  Plumages between the two species are almost identical, and one of the few reliable differences is the color of the male's gorget when seen in good light, with Black-chinned Hummingbirds flashing a purple band on their gorget, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds showing a red band.  They are common in low-elevations and around urban feeders in the Western U.S. in the summer, but unlike some western Hummingbirds, Black-chinned Hummingbirds completely disappear from the West in the winter as they migrate to spend the winters in Mexico.

Habitat: Black-chinned Hummingbirds can be found in a variety of open to semi-open habitats, including suburban areas, riparian areas, open woodland, and deciduous groves in canyons of the West.

Diet: Typical diet of Hummingbirds, feeding heavily on nectar.  Tiny insects also comprise a large portion of the diet.

Behavior: Black-chinned Hummingbirds are extremely adaptable, both in terms of habitat and in terms of food supply.  They have adapted to a variety of settings in the West, including urban settings, and will adapt foraging techniques and food supply depending upon availability, with less of a tendency to specialize on one food source than some hummingbirds.

Nesting: Nests are typically constructed relatively close to the ground, from 3 to 12 feet in height.  The nests are composed of downy plant fibers and spider webs.  Females exclusively incubate and raise young.

Interactive eBird Map: Click to access an interactive eBird map of Black-chinned Hummingbird sightings

Song: Song of the Black-chinned Hummingbird is a very weak, high-pitched warbling. Black-chinned Hummingbirds also have a wide variety of calls, most often produced during courtship and other interactions between birds.

Migration: Black-chinned Hummingbirds are strongly migratory.  Birds in the United States arrive in the spring and leave in the fall.   A few seem to stray to the eastern U.S. every fall, and a few may actually winter along the Gulf Coast.

Feeders: Will attend hummingbird feeders

Similar Species: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird

Conservation Status: Common and widespread, with no significant conservation concerns.

Further Information: 1) WhatBird - Black-chinned Hummingbird

2) Audubon Guide - Black-chinned Hummingbird

3) BirdWeb - Black-chinned Hummingbird

Photo Information: May 4th, 2008 - Ramsey Canyon, Arizona - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the images or photo names below for additional higher-resolution photos.