Hummingbird Central



Black-chinned Hummingbird

Common Name
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Scientific Name
Archilochus alexandri
Length
3 3/4"

Range & Migration

Common in the mountains of the Western U.S., particularly at lower elevations, from deserts to mountain forests. Many winter along the Gulf Coast.

The Black-chinned Hummingbird's breeding range stretches from southern British Columbia in Canada through Idaho and Nevada, south to northern Mexico, and from coastal California, Arizona through Texas, where they are relatively common spring and summer residents. They have also been reported in a number of other states.

They migrate to southern California, southern Arizona, and southern Texas or Mexico for the winter.

Characteristics and Identification

Metallic green above. Male has a black chin, violet throat ... the throat can appear black depending on lighting. Female's throat is whitish and underparts grayish-white. The bill is black.

Black-chinned and Ruby-throated hummingbirds are very similar in appearance, but have separate ranges. The Ruby-throated is the dominant species East of the Mississippi River, while the Black-chinned is found in Western states.

Comparison of the Broad-tailed, Ruby-throated and Black-chinned hummingbirds


 

Map of the Range of the Black-chinned Hummingbird

The map below shows the approximate range of the Black-chinned Hummingbird. Of course actual breeding areas vary by year depending on weather-related conditions and other environmental factors.

Also, there is overlap in some areas, such as in Central Texas where Ruby-throats and Black-chinned can be found frequenting the same area.

Map showing the approximate range of the Black-chinned Hummingbird in the United States

 

Black-chinned Hummingbird in Southern California
Black-Chinned Hummingbird in Southern California
Source: Marilyn Meadows Photography - Facebook | Website | Fine Art America

Black-chinned Hummingbird in flight
Black-Chinned Hummingbird


Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-Chinned Hummingbird



Male Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-Chinned Hummingbird