Purple-Necked Black-Chinned Hummingbird

Purple-Necked Black-Chinned Hummingbird.

The black-chinned hummingbird is a common and widespread western summer hummingbird. Although it does have a black chin, this is not the most distinguishing feature of this member of the Trochilidae bird family. Instead, it is possible to identify the species based on the iridescent purple band and the contrasting white collar that the males have.

These field signs are quite useful for identifying this versatile bird; nevertheless, it may be considerably more challenging to tell females from other female hummingbirds when they are present. The good news is that you should now feel more capable of recognizing black-chinned hummingbirds, attracting them, and taking pleasure in their company.

Brief Information Purple-Necked Black-Chinned Hummingbird.

Archilochus alexandri is its scientific name.
The Black-Chinned Hummingbird is its common name.
8–11 years is the period of its life.
Size: 3.5 inches
Weighing between 0.1 and 0.12 ounces
Approximately 4-5 inches in terms of wingspan
Current status of conservation: “least concern”

Identification of Black-Chinned Hummingbirds Although the black chin on this little bird may be difficult to spot, being familiar with the rest of its field markings is an excellent method to always correctly identify black-chinned hummingbirds.

The head, back, and flanks of males are green or green-gray, and there is a white mark that may be seen right behind the eye. The chin and the neck are both black, and there is an iridescent purple strip at the bottom of the throat that likewise seems black, unless the lighting is really good, in which case it shines like a diamond.

A grayish-white chest that has a green wash on the flanks and a white collar that contrasts with the neck are both featured. The wings and the tail are both black, and the tail has a clear fork in it.

Females have comparable markings to males, including a black chin, but they also have a white neck that sometimes has light green striping and white corners on their tails. Males have a black chin. Both the male and female have wingtips that are large and curved, and youngsters first seem like females until the young males get their darker necks.

These hummingbirds do not sing, and their calls consist of a quick repetition of a low tup sound. The scratchy chatter of an aggressive black-chinned hummingbird is accompanied in flight by a buzzing metallic hum or trill that is produced by the wings of the bird.

Observations on the Habitat and Range of the Black-Chinned Hummingbird

Hummingbirds with black chins are very adaptive, and as a result, they are able to thrive in a variety of environments, including dry and riparian settings. They like shady environments and may often be found in the foothills of mountains, canyons, as well as urban and suburban gardens and parks.

Their summer range includes the Rocky Mountains and associated ranges from western Texas north to Idaho and eastern Washington and Oregon, as well as areas of northern Mexico and the southern California coastline.

Patterns of Migration

These birds go to central Mexico for the winter, then continue on along the western coast of Mexico to the Gulf Coast of the United States. However, you may expect to see them again in the spring, as soon as flowers begin to blossom and there are sufficient numbers of insects in the environment.

Behavior During courting, male black-chinned hummingbirds will do a stunning dive in the shape of a U that travels between 60 and 100 feet in front of a female who is perched. These are solitary birds outside of the time of year when they are mating, however, you could see numerous of them in the same approximate vicinity.

Because of their territorial nature, black-chinned hummingbirds often sit on high branches to look out over their domain. If such a region is invaded, they will pursue intruders deep beyond their bounds and into the surrounding land.

Diet and Feeding

These birds, like other hummers, are dependent on nectar for survival. You may find them drinking nectar from flowers or readily visiting feeders that provide the appropriate nectar solution. Additionally, black-chinned hummingbirds consume a diverse selection of tiny insects. These insects are an important source of protein for the diet of black-chinned hummingbirds, particularly for the developing chicks.

They will pump, flick, or flip their tails when eating or hovering, and their tail feathers may sometimes spread out in this movement. This characteristic movement of the tail might be quite helpful in making a correct identification.

What kind of food do hummingbirds eat?

Nesting Because they are polygamous birds, a male black-chinned hummingbird will mate with several females without providing any care for his partners or the young that come from those relationships.

The female of the species constructs a cup-shaped nest out of plant down that is bonded with spider silk. The outside of the nest is camouflaged with little fragments of flower petals and leaves.

The average height of the nest above the ground is less than ten feet, although it may reach far greater heights. There is no part for the male to play in the construction of the nest, the care of the eggs, or the upbringing of the young hummingbirds.

Eggs and young of the Black-chinned hummingbird have a basic white color, have an elliptical form, and are about the size of a coffee bean.

It takes the female parent 14-16 days to incubate her brood of one to three eggs, and she will continue to nurse the hatchlings for 14-21 days after they emerge from the nest once she has done so. Two to three broods may be produced by a single female in a single year.

The territories of many other species of hummingbirds, such as Anna’s hummingbirds, Costa’s hummingbirds, and broad-tailed hummingbirds, have been seen to overlap with those of black-chinned hummingbirds, which has resulted to hybridization between the two groups. Other types of hybridization are conceivable, although they are not nearly as frequent.

Protecting Black-Chinned Hummingbirds

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is not considered to be in danger of extinction, and in many regions, its population is growing as backyard birders become more interested in providing nectar and other foods for hummingbirds.

These birds do, however, need riparian environments in order to survive, and the preservation of even relatively tiny patches of vegetation along streams and rivers is essential to ensuring their future success, especially along routes of migration.

Advice for Those Who Feed the Birds in Their Yards and Gardens

Hummingbird feeders are often frequented by black-chinned hummingbirds, and they may also be drawn to flowers that produce nectar; however, red flowers are not as necessary to attract these hummingbirds as other colors are. These hummingbirds will also wash by hovering in a mister or visiting a birdbath that has a bubbler or other motion, and they will bathe by flying through sprinklers if they are available.

The Very Best Hummingbird Feeders for Your Garden or Backyard

How to Track Down This Bird
Black-chinned hummingbirds are easier to spot throughout the spring and early summer when males are performing their spectacular courting dives. Other types of hummingbirds, especially the smaller ones, might be difficult to see.

They will also sit in the open to inspect their area, providing easier viewing possibilities for birdwatchers, especially for seeing the purple band that is located at the base of the neck. These birds will also visit the nectar feeders that are located in hummingbird gardens, botanical gardens, and wildlife centers.

Learn About Even More Species That Belong to This Family

All species of hummingbirds belong to the family Trochilidae. While the majority of the more than 325 hummingbird species in the world are found in tropical regions, several other hummingbirds travel further north.

These migratory hummingbirds provide excellent opportunities for birdwatchers to learn about these fascinating little birds. The following species are related genetically to the black-chinned hummingbird:

Hummingbird with a Ruby-Streaked Throat
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird
Don’t forget to check out our other profiles of wild birds to get even more interesting information and anecdotes about the hummingbirds and other kinds of birds that you find fascinating.

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