Black-chinned Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri
Overview
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is one of the most adaptable hummingbirds in the West, found everywhere from desert to mountain forest. Males have a distinctive black chin with a purple-violet lower band that's only visible in good light.
Length
8.25 cm (3.25 in)
Weight
2.3–4.9 g
Wingspan
11 cm (4.3 in)
Lifespan
Up to 10 years
Fun Fact
“The Black-chinned Hummingbird can rotate its wings in a full circle — the only bird known to do so!”
Fascinating Facts
- 1
Their throat appears all black in most lighting — the purple band is only visible at the right angle
- 2
Can drop their metabolic rate dramatically during cold nights
- 3
One of the most widespread western hummingbirds
- 4
Females alone build the nest and raise young
Migration & Nesting
Northward Migration
March–May
Southward Migration
August–October
Nesting Season
April–August
Garden Tips & Preferred Flowers
Plant these nectar-rich flowers to attract Black-chinned Hummingbird to your garden:
