A small hummingbird; males have iridescent purple gorget below black chin. Western counterpart to ruby-throated hummingbird.

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in); wingspan 10–13 cm
Weight2.5–5 g
LifespanWild typically 3–5 years
OrderApodiformes
FamilyTrochilidae

§ Encyclopedia

The black-chinned hummingbird is a hummingbird occupying a broad range of habitats. Its summer range is in the western United States and southwestern Canada. It is migratory, wintering as far south as Mexico. In sunlight, the iridescent purple gorget of the males is noticeable.

Source: Wikipedia — Black-chinned hummingbird Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slender hummingbird; male has a black throat with a thin iridescent purple lower band (visible only in good light), green back, and white breast. Female plain green above, pale below.

Similar species. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (mostly eastern) is nearly identical in females; range and the male's purple throat band help separate them.

Voice. A soft, warbling chatter and a low 'tup'; wings hum.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Flower nectar; small insects and spiders for protein.

Behavior. A widespread western hummingbird of canyons, towns, and riparian areas; hovers to take nectar and small insects and frequents feeders. Males dive-display in a wide U.

§ Range

Western US in summer; winters Mexico

§ Habitat

Riparian areas, suburban gardens

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change, sugar water feeders with contaminated solution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the black-chinned hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain clean hummingbird feeders. Plant native flowering plants.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List