Allen's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin
Overview
Nearly identical to the Rufous Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird breeds almost exclusively along a narrow strip of coastal California and Oregon. A subspecies in Southern California is non-migratory, while the northern population makes one of the earliest spring migrations.
Length
7.5–9.0 cm (3.0–3.5 in)
Weight
2–4 g
Wingspan
11 cm (4.3 in)
Lifespan
Up to 6 years
Fun Fact
“Allen's Hummingbird is one of the only birds that remains a full-time resident of coastal Southern California — living its entire life within a few square miles!”
Fascinating Facts
- 1
Very similar to Rufous — best distinguished by tail feathers
- 2
Among the earliest spring migrants, arriving in January
- 3
Coastal California subspecies is non-migratory
- 4
Historically one of the first hummingbird species recorded
Migration & Nesting
Northward Migration
January–March
Southward Migration
June–August
Nesting Season
February–July
Garden Tips & Preferred Flowers
Plant these nectar-rich flowers to attract Allen's Hummingbird to your garden:
