A glittering magenta-headed hummingbird that has expanded its range dramatically northward over the last 50 years, partly thanks to backyard feeders and ornamental plants.

Native status: Native to Pacific Coast

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in); wingspan 11–12 cm
Weight3.4–4.7 g
LifespanWild typically 3–5 years; oldest banded 9
OrderApodiformes
FamilyTrochilidae

§ Encyclopedia

Anna's hummingbird is a North American species of hummingbird named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.

Source: Wikipedia — Anna's hummingbird Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Males: iridescent pink-magenta head and throat; green body. Females: green back with pink throat patch.

Similar species. Allen's Hummingbird (rufous flanks). Costa's Hummingbird (purple). Black-chinned Hummingbird (purple gorget).

Voice. Sharp "chip" calls. Males produce wing-buzzing during dive.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Flower nectar (especially from red tubular flowers); insects and spiders for protein.

Behavior. Year-round resident on Pacific Coast. Males perform spectacular vertical "dive display" — calling at peak of dive.

§ Range

Pacific coast from southern Alaska to Baja California, year-round

§ Habitat

Coastal scrub, urban gardens, parks, riparian woodland

§ Threats

Window strikes, outdoor cats, climate stress on flowering schedules.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the anna's hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Keep nectar feeders clean (sugar water, no red dye, change weekly). Plant native salvias and currants. Keep cats indoors.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Hummingbird Research Inc.
  • National Audubon Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018