Black-chinned

Common name: Black-chinned Hummingbird
Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
Clades: Mellisugini - Bees

The Black-chinned hummingbird is 8.25 cm (3.25 in) long.

The Black-chinned Hummingbird, a petite and remarkable creature, can be found inhabiting a diverse range of woodland and brushy environments. Distinguished by its vivid purple-and-black throat, the male Black-chinned Hummingbird is an iconic sight. On the other hand, the female showcases whitish underparts, often displaying only a faint wash of color on the flanks.

These exquisite birds are known for their distinctive tail-pumping behavior, setting them apart from other members of the hummingbird family. Frequently drawn to sugar water feeders and flower gardens, they bring delight to many during the summer months across the western United States, with their territory extending marginally into Canada. When colder seasons settle in, their winter range reaches just south of Mexico City and increasingly commonly along the Gulf Coast of the United States.

While the Black-chinned Hummingbird can be challenging to differentiate from the Ruby-throated hummingbird, particularly in the case of females and young males, their limited range overlap offers some respite to eager birdwatchers. Notably, the Black-chinned Hummingbird usually appears somewhat grayer in its green upper plumage, coupled with a subtly longer, slightly drooping bill and broader, more club-shaped outer wing feathers.

These enchanting birds find their homes in various landscapes, from mountains and woodlands to orchards, meadows, and chaparral habitats. They favor open, semi-arid areas close to water for breeding, with their territories primarily stretching across the western United States, northern Mexico, and southern British Columbia, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of these marvelous creatures.