Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
Name Origin:
The genus name Archilochus is derived from the Greek poet Archilochus, who was known for his sharp and lively verse, perhaps reflecting the bird’s quick movements and spirited nature. The species name alexandri honors Dr. Alexandre, a French naturalist associated with the early study of this species.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in)
⚖️ Weight: 2.5–4 g (0.09–0.14 oz)
🌎 Range: Western United States to northern Mexico
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Arid canyons, river corridors, oak woodland, and urban gardens
🧬 Clade: Mellisugini "Bees" (Bee Hummingbirds tribe)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic species with no recognized subspecies.
Distribution: Breeds throughout the western United States, from British Columbia and the Great Basin south to northern Mexico. Winters primarily in western Mexico, with some individuals overwintering along the Gulf Coast and Baja California.
Species Overview
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is one of North America’s most adaptable hummingbirds, thriving in a variety of habitats from deserts to suburban gardens. Its slender build, dark throat, and soft metallic call make it a familiar summer resident across much of the western United States.
Male Description:
The male has metallic green upperparts, a black chin and upper throat bordered below by a narrow, iridescent violet band, and grayish underparts. The tail is deeply forked and dark with faint purplish gloss. The gorget often appears completely black unless viewed in direct light, when the violet border flashes brilliantly.
Female Description:
The female is green above with grayish underparts and a white throat that may show faint dusky spotting. Her tail is rounded with white tips on the outer feathers. She is larger than the male and more commonly seen visiting feeders and gardens.
Habitat & Behavior:
This species inhabits arid and semi-arid environments, often near rivers, canyons, and desert scrub. It feeds primarily on nectar from native plants such as Agave, Salvia, and Penstemon, and supplements its diet with small insects. Its song is a high, tinkling series of notes often heard during territorial chases. Males perform dramatic U-shaped courtship dives accompanied by a sharp “zing” produced by the outer tail feathers.
Conservation Note:
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and remains widespread and stable. Its ability to nest near human habitation and use artificial feeders has allowed it to adapt well to habitat modification. Maintaining riparian vegetation and pollinator-friendly gardens is vital for supporting both breeding and migratory populations.
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