Quick Answer
No, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are not currently considered endangered. They are classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations appear stable and they have a large range.
Overview
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small hummingbird found in western North America. Here are some key facts about these hummingbirds:
- Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
- Other common names: Black-chinned hummingbird, western hummingbird
- Size: 7-8 cm long, 3-4 g weight
- Habitat: Brushy areas, canyons, forest edges
- Range: Western U.S. and Mexico
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The Black-chinned Hummingbird gets its name from the black feathers that cover the chin and throat area of adult males. Females and juveniles lack this distinctive black chin patch.
These hummingbirds have metallic green upperparts. Their underparts are grey-white with green streaking on the sides. The tail feathers are forked and dark with white tips. In flight, white patches are visible on the outer tail feathers. Males may exhibit a faint purple gloss on the throat and chest plumage in the right lighting conditions.
Population and Distribution
Black-chinned Hummingbirds breed across much of western North America. Their breeding range extends from southern British Columbia in the north to Baja California and coastal Mexico in the south. Their range stretches east into Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
During winter, Black-chinned Hummingbirds withdraw from the northern portions of their breeding range. They migrate south to Mexico and the southern U.S. Their key wintering grounds are along the Pacific Coast and the desert Southwest. Some birds may remain in the southern breeding range year-round.
Global population estimates for Black-chinned Hummingbirds are lacking. Within the U.S., Partners in Flight estimates a population of 7 million birds. Breeding Bird Survey data indicates populations have increased by 1.7% per year between 1966-2015. At the state level, populations appear stable in 43 of 45 states in the range.
Habitat
Black-chinned Hummingbirds use a variety of semi-open to open habitats across their broad range. Typical breeding habitats include:
- Canyons
- River groves
- Mountain meadows
- Chaparral
- Suburban gardens and parks
They occur mainly in dry habitats such as scrubland and deserts. They are less common in wetter habitats like rainforests. Throughout their range, they prefer areas with ample nectar-producing flowers and small trees or shrubs for nesting.
In winter and during migration, these birds utilize similar semi-open habitats. Key habitat types include desert oases, scrublands, and suburban areas rich in flowering plants.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, Black-chinned Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and small insects. Their specialized bill and long tongue are perfectly adapted for extracting nectar. They prefer tubular red or orange flowers with little scent.
Some favorite nectar sources are:
- Indian paintbrush
- Penstemon
- Salvias
- California fuchsia
- Desert lavender
- Red hot poker
- Nectar feeders supplied by humans
These energetic birds supplement their nectar diet with protein from small invertebrates. They may glean crawling insects from foliage or pluck them from spider webs. Their aerial insect-hunting abilities are impressive – they can precisely pick tiny prey items while hovering in flight.
Reproduction
The breeding season for Black-chinned Hummingbirds extends from March to July, varying by latitude. Males arrive at the breeding areas a few weeks before females to establish territories.
Males perform elaborate aerial courtship displays to advertise their territory and attract mates. These displays involve rapid dives and climbs, with buzzing sounds from the tail and wing feathers.
Females build a small cup-shaped nest out of plant down and spider silk on the branch of a tree, shrub, or cactus. The female incubates the 2 tiny white eggs for 12-16 days. Hatchlings fledge in another 18-22 days. Females may raise 2-3 broods per breeding season.
Males are promiscuous and play no role in caring for the young. Females provide all parental care. They must feed the fast-growing chicks up to 1,000 times per day on regurgitated nectar and insects!
Migration
Populations breeding in Canada and the northern U.S. migrate south for winter. They begin leaving the breeding grounds in August and September. Most arrive on the wintering grounds by November.
Spring migration back to the breeding areas commences in March. The timing of both the fall and spring migrations may vary in response to weather and food availability.
Banding studies show Black-chinned Hummingbirds undergo multiple long-distance migrations during their lifetime. The tiny birds fly non-stop 500-mile journeys across the Gulf of Mexico each fall and spring. Their navigational abilities are impressive.
Threats and Conservation Status
Black-chinned Hummingbirds still occupy much of their historical range across western North America. Partners in Flight estimates there are 7 million adults across the range and that populations increased by 1.7% annually from 1966-2015.
These findings indicate robust, healthy populations, and the species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. They adapt well to human-altered environments and suburban areas often provide excellent habitat.
Some potential threats include:
- Use of pesticides may reduce insect prey
- Habitat loss in some areas
- Competition for nectar from non-native bees near urban areas
However, Black-chinned Hummingbirds remain widespread and population trends are stable or increasing over most of their range. Ongoing monitoring is important to detect future declines, but the species does not appear near threatened at this time. Actions to provide nectar sources and preserve brushy habitat will benefit the species.
Fun Facts About Black-chinned Hummingbirds
- They have the 2nd largest breeding range of any hummingbird in North America after the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
- Their wings beat up to 75 times per second!
- They are fiercely territorial and aggressively defend their feeding areas.
- Male’s courtship displays reach 100 body lengths per second – the highest known in any vertebrate.
- The sugar concentration of the nectar they prefer is 25% – twice as sweet as a can of soda!
- Their tongues can lick nectar up to 13-17 times per second.
- Heart rate can reach up to 1,200 beats per minute during flight.
- They migrate by night and fly low, just above the treetops.
- Breeding males live on average 5 years but the oldest known lived 12 years.
Conclusion
In summary, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are currently a common and successful species in the western U.S. and Mexico. They are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List and their populations appear stable or increasing. While they face some threats from habitat loss and pesticides, these resilient birds remain widespread and abundant throughout their range. Maintaining natural areas and gardens with native plants will help provide the food sources and habitat these tiny pollinators need to continue thriving.
