Black chin hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri) are a fairly common species of hummingbird found along the Pacific coast of North America. They are known for their shiny black throats and energetic flight patterns. But one question that often comes up about these petite birds is whether or not they are aggressive.
Quick Summary
In general, black chin hummingbirds are not considered to be overly aggressive birds. Here are some key points about their behavior:
- They may show some territorial behavior, like defending flower patches or feeders, but are less aggressive than other hummingbird species.
- Males are more aggressive than females, especially when defending breeding territories.
- Aggression is usually displayed through aerial chases and dives rather than physical attacks.
- Providing multiple food sources can minimize competition and aggression around feeders.
- Removing perches near feeders can also reduce territorial behavior.
So while black chins may show some aggressive tendencies, especially during breeding season, they are generally not known as one of the most aggressive hummingbird species. Their territorial behavior is usually limited to chasing others away from food sources or breeding areas.
Black Chin Habitats and Range
Black chin hummingbirds are medium-small sized birds, measuring about 3-3.5 inches in length. They have metallic green backs and crowns, white undersides, and distinct black throats that give them their name. The males have slightly forked tails and can appear very dark when the light does not catch their colorful feathers.
This speciesbreeds along the Pacific coast, from Baja California up through British Columbia. Their breeding range extends inland to Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. During winter, they migrate south to Mexico.
Within their range, black chins frequent a variety of semi-open habitats, including meadows, parks, backyards, and open woodlands. They are also common in riparian areas along streams or rivers. These habitats provide the flowers, shrubs, and small trees that black chins prefer for foraging on nectar and insects.
Territorial Behavior
Like most hummingbirds, black chins display some territorial behavior. Males in particular can be aggressive in defending areas with abundant food resources or potential mates.
Some key aspects of black chin territoriality include:
- Males defend feeding territories – Black chin males will aggressively chase other males or even larger birds away from nectar sources within their territory.
- Females may also defend feeding areas, but less aggressively than males.
- Males defend nesting sites – Reproductive territories surrounding the nest are aggressively patrolled and protected.
- Territory sizes range from 0.25-12 acres depending on food availability.
- Aggressive displays include aerial chases, wing whistling, and dive bomb attacks.
- Contact attacks are rare as defending a territory does not require actual combat.
So while black chin males will work to repel intruders from their territories, they do not typically make direct contact when dive bombing or chasing others away. Loud wing whistling and impressive aerial displays are usually enough to drive away potential competitors.
Aggression at Feeders
One common way that people encounter black chin territoriality is at their backyard hummingbird feeders. Feeders provide a concentrated food source that the birds will defend.
Black chins may aggressively chase other hummers away from feeders within their territory. They may also display dives and rapid flights around the feeder to proclaim their dominance. However, actual physical attacks or injuries from black chin aggression at feeders is uncommon.
There are a few tips that can help reduce black chin aggression around feeders:
- Provide multiple feeders spread out over an area to disperse the birds.
- Use feeder styles that prevent perching on top, forcing birds to feed and move on.
- Locate feeders in open areas away from territories like nests.
- Remove aggressive males for short time periods if necessary.
- Be sure there is adequate natural food sources available as well.
With some adjustments, black chin hummingbirds can peacefully feed alongside other species and enjoy the supplemental nutrition offered by feeders.
Comparisons to Other Species
While black chins will defend their territories, they are generally less aggressive than other hummingbird species that share their habitat ranges. For example:
- Anna’s Hummingbirds – Annas males are exceptionally territorial and aggressively defend their feeding areas in California year-round against all intruders.
- Rufous Hummingbirds – Rufous males are known for their elaborate dive displays and frequent mid-air physical combat over territories.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – Ruby-throats vigorously defend their nest sites and may seriously injure or even kill intruders that venture too close.
- Costa’s Hummingbirds – Costa’s males are highly aggressive around feeding territories and employ loud song displays.
The frequent aerial attacks by Anna’s and Rufous hummingbird males when defending territories makes them among the most notoriously aggressive species. Black chins may aggressively vocalize, chase, and dive, but seldom make physical contact.
Aggression Level by Species
Species | Aggression Level |
---|---|
Anna’s Hummingbird | Very High |
Rufous Hummingbird | High |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | High |
Costa’s Hummingbird | Moderately High |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | Moderate |
Breeding Behavior
One time when black chin aggression is most evident is during the breeding season as males compete for mates. Key aspects of black chin breeding behavior include:
- Courtship begins in late winter when males return to the breeding grounds.
- Males perform aerial displays and complex dives to impress females.
- Nest sites are 10-20 feet up in trees and may be aggressively defended.
- Some males may mate with several females, increasing territorial behavior.
- Females assume all parenting duties – males provide no care.
- Nests may be re-used for 2nd and 3rd broods.
The breeding season lasts from about February through August, depending on the geographic range. This time period is when male black chins are most intent on attracting mates and protecting nesting territories. Their aggression towards other males and potential nest predators peaks during this time.
Courtship Displays
When breeding gets underway, competing male black chins will perform dramatic dive displays to impress females and proclaim territory ownership. These displays involve rapid climbs upwards of 30-50 feet before diving downwards while making a piercing whistling or popping sound with their wings.
This is one scenario where black chin aggression is clearly evident. The males will chase competitors from their aerial courtship zone and even make occasional contact as they whip past other birds. But serious injuries from these displays are uncommon and the aggression is limited to the context of the competitive breeding season.
Aggression Towards Humans
Due to their small size, black chin hummingbirds pose no serious danger to humans. They may boldly defend a feeder or nectar source, but could never inflict harm.
Some signs of aggression towards humans include:
- Rapid hovering in front of people
- High pitched vocalizations
- Dive bombing near heads
- Guarding feeders from refilling
But these displays are generally more show than danger. The only risk would be the rare possibility of contact while dive bombing, which may startle more than injure. Any human aggression can be avoided by respecting the birds space and removing feeders or nests if necessary.
With adequate food sources available, black chins will coexist peacefully with people and their general moderate aggression should not be a deterrent to attracting them to a yard habitat.
Conclusion
Black chin hummingbirds display a moderate level of aggression as they defend feeding territories, compete for mates, and protect nest sites. Males are more aggressive than females overall. While they may put on an aerial display of chases and dives, contact attacks are infrequent and pose little real risk or harm.
In comparison to other hummingbird species, black chins are less aggressively territorial. Providing multiple feeders, allowing adequate space, and removing nests or problem birds can reduce conflict potential. Outside of the breeding season, black chins are fairly peaceful and content to share habitat with humans and other birds.
With proper care taken to minimize aggression triggers, black chin hummingbirds can be safely enjoyed in backyard habitats throughout their range without posing a threat.