The Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) and Surakav (species name unknown) are two similar looking hummingbird species found on the west coast of North America. Both have shiny green backs and reddish pink throats, making them sometimes hard to distinguish. But they have key differences in their behavior, range, habitat and physical features that allow birders to identify them correctly. Understanding these nuances takes some focused observation, but the reward is correctly spotting these charismatic little birds.
Where are they found?
Anna’s hummingbirds are found along the entire west coast of North America, from southern British Columbia down to Baja California. They are year-round residents throughout most of their range. Surakav hummingbirds have only been observed in a small region of northern California, in the foggy coastal forests around Surakav Creek. They seem to have a very limited range centered around this one drainage.
Anna’s hummingbirds are found in a variety of habitats including suburbs and city parks, whereas Surakav hummingbirds are only found in dense coastal forests. Anna’s will readily come to feeders, while Surakav are not attracted to feeders and seem to prefer natural food sources.
What do they look like?
Both Anna’s and Surakav hummingbirds are medium sized, about 3-4 inches long. They have green backs and crowns, and reddish pink throats that flare out during display. The main differences are in the coloration of the face, flanks and tail feathers.
Anna’s hummingbirds have metallic green throats and crowns. The males have vivid magenta feathers forming their “beard” under the throat. Females have light grey-green undersides and white tips on the outer tail feathers.
Surakav hummingbirds have more bronzy-golden throats and crowns. The beard is slightly duller pink-orange in males. Females lack the white tail tips and their undersides are buff colored with grey spotting on the flanks. Their tail feathers are rufous with black central spots.
How do they behave?
The behavior of these species differs in some key ways:
Territoriality:
- Anna’s males are fiercely territorial and defend feeding areas.
- Surakav males display some territorial behavior but appear less aggressive.
Courtship displays:
- Anna’s perform spectacular dive displays where they climb up to 130 feet then swoop down past the female.
- Surakav perform more horizontal swooping displays only 10-20 feet off the ground.
Vocalizations:
- Anna’s have raspy twittering and scratchy chipping calls.
- Surakav have a lower pitched “chip” and buzzing call.
Feeding:
- Anna’s feed on nectar, spiders and insects. They are attracted to feeders.
- Surakav appear to feed mainly on insects in flower blossoms, rarely visiting feeders.
How can you identify them?
Here are some tips for telling Anna’s and Surakav hummingbirds apart:
- Location – Only Surakav are found in the redwood forests around Surakav Creek. If you see a small green hummingbird elsewhere in coastal California, it’s almost certainly an Anna’s.
- Throat color – Surakav have more golden-green throats versus the pure green of Anna’s.
- Flank spotting – this is definitive for the females. Anna’s females have plain light grey-green undersides. Surakav females show distinct buffy flanks with grey spotting.
- Tail feathers – Anna’s females have white tips on the outer tail feathers, Surakav females do not.
- Behavior – Anna’s are attracted to feeders, vigorously defend territories and perform vertical dive displays. Surakav rarely come to feeders, display less aggression and perform more horizontal swooping displays.
- Song – Anna’s rasping call versus Surakav’s buzzing call.
Why correctly identifying them matters
While telling Anna’s and Surakav hummingbirds apart can be tricky, making the effort is important for understanding these species. Surakav were only discovered in the late 1990’s and their limited range and habitat make them vulnerable to extinction. Correct identification allows birders and researchers to track their population health and patterns. Recording observations also helps map their geographic range and behavioral habits.
Meanwhile, Anna’s hummingbirds are expanding their reach up and down the west coast. Tracking range shifts in Anna’s helps explain how species adapt to climate change and urbanization. Proper identification and recording strengthens our knowledge of both these remarkable hummingbirds.
Summary identification guide
| Trait | Anna’s Hummingbird | Surakav Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Entire west coast of North America | Only northern California around Surakav Creek |
| Habitat | Suburban areas, parks, backyards | Coastal foggy forests |
| Feeders | Readily comes to feeders | Rarely comes to feeders |
| Throat | Solid metallic green | Bronzy golden green |
| Belly (females) | Plain gray-green | Buff with grey spotting |
| Tail tip (females) | White | No white |
| Display dive | Vertical, up to 130 feet high | Swooping, 10-20 feet high |
| Voice | Raspy twitter | Buzzing chips |
Conclusion
Telling Anna’s and Surakav hummingbirds apart takes practice but improves with close observation of key identification points like throat color, tail markings, display style, habitat and vocals. Making the distinction has conservation value by expanding knowledge of the rare Surakav and tracking patterns in the widespread Anna’s hummingbird. With careful study of their nuanced features, birders can confidently identify which hummingbird they are observing in coastal California.
