The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small, fast-flying bird native to western North America. Identifying this particular hummingbird species can be tricky, as they share some similarities with other common hummers like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. However, with careful observation and knowledge of the Black-chinned’s key identification markers, it is possible to positively identify these birds.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird gets its name from the distinctive black feathers along the chin and throat area on the male birds. However, this is just one of several key field marks that can be used to identify this species. Other important identification factors include the bird’s small size, wing shape, tail shape, and unique sound of the male’s song/call. Being able to recognize these features and behaviors can go a long way towards confirming the identity of a Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Distinctive Physical Features
When observing any unfamiliar bird, one of the first aspects to pay attention to is its physical appearance. The Black-chinned Hummingbird has some subtle but important features that help distinguish it from other hummingbirds when seen up close.
Small Size
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a small bird, measuring only 3-3.5 inches in length. This puts it on the smaller end of the size spectrum for hummingbirds in North America. Only the Calliope Hummingbird and Broad-tailed Hummingbird are comparably tiny. If you spot a hummingbird that appears very petite, it narrows down the possibilities to one of these three small species.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, one of the Black-chinned’s closest look-alikes over much of its range, is noticeably larger at 3.5-4 inches long. So if your hummingbird is on the small side, it’s probably not a Ruby-throated.
Short, Straight Bill
The Black-chinned Hummingbird has a short, straight bill that measures around .5-.6 inches on adult males. At quick glance the bill may appear slightly downturned.
This stands in contrast to the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s bill, which is clearly downturned. The Ruby-throat’s bill also averages slightly longer at .6-.8 inches. So if the bill on your hummingbird is short and straight versus long and obviously decurved, it points towards Black-chinned.
Black Chin Patch
The bold black throat feathers that give the Black-chinned Hummingbird its name are its most obvious identifying feature. This distinctive patch stands out against the otherwise pale grey-white underparts on the male Black-chinned.
No other hummingbird species naturally occurring in the western US has such a dark chin patch contrasting with a pale belly. In particular, the male Ruby-throat has a uniformly ruby red throat without black accents. So a prominent black chin is diagnostic for an adult male Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Females lack the dark chin patch and instead have light speckling across the throat. But they can still be identified by the other features listed here in combination.
Dark Tail Forking
The outer tail feathers of the Black-chinned Hummingbird are ruby-red tipped with black and sharply forked. When the bird is observed flying overhead, this gives the impression of a dark V-shape formed by the tail.
The forked tail shape is shared by the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. However, the Ruby-throat’s tail forks are lined with broad white tips to the outer feathers. This creates more of an evenly-split appearance rather than a dark V.
So if your hummingbird has obviously forked tail feathers with darker tips forming a clear V-shape, it indicates a Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Behavioral Clues
In addition to visual impressions of appearance, the behavior of a hummingbird can provide important clues to its identity. Here are some Black-chinned Hummingbird behaviors to look out for:
Small Territory Defense
Male Black-chinned Hummingbirds are known for defending small feeding territories around nectar sources. They perch inconspicuously nearby and chase off intruders.
If you notice a male hummingbird aggressively defending a particular area from intrusions by other males, there’s a good chance it’s a Black-chinned. Ruby-throats are less territorial on the whole.
Courtship Display
When courting females, male Black-chinned Hummingbirds perform a distinctive pendulum-like display flight. They fly in a wide U-shape arc up to 130 feet across, with a slow, rhythmic wingbeat. At the top of each arc is a clicking or buzzing sound made with the wings.
If you observe this pendulum display combined with the clicking wing sounds, it’s diagnostic for a male Black-chinned Hummingbird. No other species performs quite the same courtship flight.
Chipping Call
The vocalizations of the Black-chinned Hummingbird also offer helpful identification clues. The most noticeable is a sharp “chip” or “cheep” call given by the males during aggressive chases or in response to passing aircraft. It’s higher-pitched and sharper than the call of a Ruby-throat.
List for this chip or cheep call, often given in a rapid series, whenever you observe an unknown hummingbird. If it’s there, it’s a good sign you’re observing a Black-chinned.
When and Where to See Them
Considering when and where you observe an unknown hummingbird can supplement the physical and behavioral clues. Below are some tips on the seasonal timing and habitat preferences of the Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Spring and Summer
Black-chinned Hummingbirds breed across much of western North America between spring and summer. Sightings are most common from March through August in breeding areas.
They start arriving in northern parts of their range by early spring. Peak sightings follow in May through July when they are most active and vocal. Numbers decline heading into fall as they migrate south.
So spring through summer are the best times to observe Black-chinned Hummingbirds, especially adult males in breeding condition when their key ID features are most apparent.
Arid Habitats
The natural breeding habitat of the Black-chinned Hummingbird is relatively arid places with scattered trees and shrubs such as deserts, scrublands, and open woodlands. They are also common in human-altered environments such as parks, backyards, and gardens in urbanized areas within their range.
In comparison, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird prefers more densely vegetated, wetter habitats like deciduous forests and woodland edges.
If you spot a hummingbird in dry, open country in the western states or provinces, chances are good it’s a Black-chinned. The presence of yucca, oak, sycamore, and other arid-adapted plants also indicates you’re in Black-chinned territory.
Similar Species Identification Tips
While the Black-chinned’s unique features help differentiate it from other hummingbirds, some species can still cause identification confusion when seen briefly or under poor viewing conditions. Below are tips for telling apart the Black-chinned from two of its trickiest lookalikes.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
As mentioned earlier in this article, the Black-chinned Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird over much of its range. Some key differences to look for are:
- Ruby-throats are larger (3.5-4 inches vs. 3-3.5 inches)
- Ruby-throats have longer, clearly decurved bills
- Ruby-throat males have a solid ruby-red throat without black accents
- Ruby-throats have broad white tail feather tips that make the forked tail appear more evenly split
Paying attention to these subtle but consistent differences in size, bill shape, coloration and tail pattern should help distinguish Black-chinned Hummingbirds from the widespread Ruby-throated.
Calliope Hummingbird
The tiny Calliope Hummingbird breeds across much of the same western regions as the Black-chinned. Male Calliopes can appear very dark due to their purple throat gorget and dark tail feathers. However, they differ in a few key ways:
- Calliopes are even smaller than Black-chinneds at just 3-3.5 inches total length
- They lack the distinct black chin patch against a pale belly
- Their bills are shorter on average (about 0.5 inches)
- Their tails are rounded without forked tips when fanned
The Calliope’s uniformly dark tail versus the forked pattern on Black-chinneds offers the best clue for rapidly differentiating these diminutive lookalikes when viewing brief glimpses. With better views, the other differences in patterning and proportions separate the two species confidently.
Conclusion
Identifying birds like the Black-chinned Hummingbird takes practice, but any observer can pick up the key field marks and behaviors with experience. The Black-chinned’s small size yet feisty nature makes it an appealing hummingbird to learn. Carefully noting its dark chin patch, short straight bill, vocalizations, and habitat preferences will help distinguish this western species from its lookalike cousins. With time and observation, birders of all levels can master Black-chinned Hummingbird identification. Just be ready for these energetic hummers to zoom by at lightning speed as they vigorously defend their flower patches and mating territories.
