Telling the difference between a ruby throated hummingbird and a black chinned hummingbird can be tricky for novice birders. However, with some key identification tips, these two similar looking species can be distinguished. In this article, we will explore the field marks, distribution, behavior, habitat, and other differences between these two hummingbirds.
Field Identification
Here are some tips for identifying ruby throated hummingbirds versus black chinned hummingbirds:
Males
The males of these two species look quite different. The ruby throated hummingbird male has a bright metallic red throat, black chin, and mostly green back. The black chinned hummingbird male has a black throat with a small purple-reddish patch underneath, a black chin, and a green back.
Females
The females are more similar. The female ruby throated hummingbird is green on the back with a white throat/chin area. The female black chinned is also green on the back but has noticeably more black on the chin area compared to the ruby throated.
Beak Length
Ruby throats tend to have slightly shorter bills than black chins. However, there is some overlap so bill length alone should not be used to identify them.
Tail Shape
When fanning its tail, the black chinned hummingbird’s outer tail feathers are more rounded. The ruby throated’s outer tail feathers are more pointed.
Wingbeats
Ruby throats tend to beat their wings faster (about 53 beats per second) compared to black chins (about 43 beats per second). This can help with identification but keep in mind these are averages and there can be some overlap.
Geographic Range
The ruby throated hummingbird has the widest breeding range of any hummingbird in North America. Its breeding grounds extend across much of eastern North America. The black chinned hummingbird’s breeding range is centered more southwest, primarily across the Rocky Mountains and westward.
During migration and winter, there is greater overlap between ruby throats and black chins along the Gulf Coast and in places like Florida. But in summer, if you see a hummingbird in the eastern US, it’s almost certainly a ruby throated.
Habitat Preferences
Ruby throats occupy a diverse range of habitats during breeding, including meadows, woodland edges, parks, and backyards. Black chins also occupy varied habitats but prefer more open woodlands and drier areas compared to ruby throats.
Behavioral Differences
Here are some behavioral differences that can help split ruby throat vs black chin:
Feeding
Ruby throats prefer feeding high up in trees and bushes. Black chins will feed lower down closer to the ground more often. Ruby throats also hawk flying insects more actively.
Interactions with feeders
Black chins are known to be more aggressive and territorial around feeders. They may chase off other hummingbirds. Ruby throats tend to be more tolerant of others at feeders.
Vocalizations
The males of each species make distinct vocalizations during courtship. Ruby throats have a buzzy/squeaky song. Black chins make a distinctive metallic “zeeep” call.
Plumage by Age and Sex
Here is a breakdown of the plumage differences between age classes and sexes of each species:
Species | Age/Sex | Plumage |
---|---|---|
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Adult male | Bright red throat, black chin, mostly green back |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Adult female | White throat, some small black spots on chin, green back |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Juvenile | Resemble adult female but with buffier throats |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | Adult male | Black throat with purple-red patch below, black chin, green back |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | Adult female | Pale throat with more distinct black chin spotting, green back |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | Juvenile | Resemble adult female but with buffier, indistinct throats |
The plumage table illustrates key differences to note when identifying these species by age and sex.
Identification Tips in Review
To quickly recap, here are some mnemonics for telling ruby throated hummingbirds apart from black chinned hummingbirds:
Males
– Ruby red throat vs. Black throat with purple below
Females
– White throat vs. More black on chin
Behavior
– Feed higher up vs. Feed lower down
– Hawk more insects vs. Perch to feed more
– Tolerant at feeders vs. Aggressive/territorial
Breeding Range
– Widespread east vs. Southwest center
Habitat
– Meadows, woods, backyards vs. Open dry woodlands
Vocalizations
– Squeaky buzz vs. Metallic “zeeep” call
Conclusion
Telling apart ruby throated and black chinned hummingbirds requires paying close attention to details of plumage, behavior, distribution, and habitat. With practice, birders can quickly recognize the characteristics that distinguish these often confused species. The ruby throat’s bright red gorget and extensive eastern breeding range separates it from the black chin’s smaller purple throat patch and southwestern breeding distribution. Understanding these and other differences allows even novice birders to confidently identify these hummingbirds.