black chinned hummingbird
1. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
2. Appearance
The black-chinned hummingbird, as suggested by its name, is characterized by its distinguishing black lower beak and chin which sharply contrasts against its predominantly bright emerald green body. In the right lighting conditions, males showcase a striking violet-blue band at the bottom of their faces. They boast medium-length straight and slim bills as well as relatively short wings. Females, on the other hand, largely mirrors the males’ green upperparts; however, their underparts are noticeably greyish and they lack the distinctive violet-blue collar. Both sexes have predominantly dark eyes that peer curiously into their surroundings.
3. Size
The average length of a black-chinned hummingbird ranges from 8.25 to 9.5 cm (3.2 to 3.7 inches). They typically weigh between 2 and 5 grams. The bird has a wingspan that stretches, on average, from 11 to 12 cm (4.3 to 4.7 inches).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Black-Chinned Hummingbird’s breeding range extends from the western United States, throughout Mexico, and into extreme southern British Columbia. They prefer a wide range of habitats: forests, grasslands, deserts, canyons, scrublands and urban areas. After the breeding season, most of the population migrates southward into Mexico.
5. Interesting Facts
One fun fact about the Black-Chinned Hummingbird is that it’s capable of entering a unique metabolic state called torpor. This allows the bird to save substantial amounts of energy by slowing down their body functions considerably during periods of rest or sleep. They are also revered in some Native American cultures as bearers of happiness and love.
6. Diet
The Black-chinned Hummingbird sips nectar from a wide array of brightly colored, scented small flowers of trees, herbs, shrubs and epiphytes. They’re specifically drawn to flowers with high sugar content. It also feasts on insects and spiders, particularly when feeding chicks.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Despite their tiny size, black-chinned hummingbirds tend to exhibit extraordinarily assertive and territorial behaviors, often defending their feeding areas. Their flight pattern is incredibly agile. Male Black-chinned Hummingbirds perform a courtship display where they fly as high as 60 feet in the air before swooping back down to impress a female. Their call is a series of high-pitched, squeaky chips.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Black-chinned Hummingbird is categorized as ‘Least Concern’ due to its large, stable population and widespread distribution.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, the average lifespan of a Black-Chinned Hummingbird is approximately 5 years, however some have been known to live up to 10 years. Lifespan in captivity is not well-documented, due to the species’ extensive needs for high-energy diet and constant movement.
10. Additional Notes
Called “Colibrí barbinegro” in Spanish and “Colibri d’Alexandre” in French, the Black-chinned Hummingbird is a key pollinator in its ecosystem, transferring pollen from one flowering plant to another as it consumes nectar, thereby playing an essential role in the reproductive processes of these plants. It has also been revered by some indigenous communities for its beauty and is often depicted in local arts and folklore.
