The hummingbird found in California that has a purple throat is the Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna). This medium-sized hummingbird has an iridescent purple-red throat and crown, with green feathers on the back and grey underparts.
Anna’s Hummingbird is one of the most common and familiar hummingbirds in California. It is the only hummingbird species that breeds in California that has a purple throat. This distinctive feature makes it easy to identify among the state’s other hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds are a unique and fascinating group of birds. They are the smallest birds found in California, with most species being 3-5 inches long and weighing less than an ounce. They are specialized nectar-feeders, using their long bills and tongues to sip nectar from flowers. To power their busy metabolisms, hummingbirds have extremely high heart rates and must consume more than their weight in nectar each day.
There are six species of hummingbirds regularly found along the California coast and in the mountains. Anna’s is the most widespread and common species. But it can still be confused with the other small green-backed hummingbirds it overlaps with, especially females or young birds which lack the purple throat patch.
Description
Let’s look more closely at the physical features and characteristics that set Anna’s Hummingbird apart:
- Size and shape: Anna’s Hummingbird has a slender, medium-sized build. It ranges from 3.5-4.5 inches in length. The long, thin bill makes up over half its body length. The wings are short and rounded compared to other hummingbirds.
- Plumage: The male Anna’s Hummingbird has an iridescent reddish-pink throat and crown. This purplish coloration extends down the sides of the neck. The back and tail are green, while the underparts are grey-white. Females lack the bright purple throat and are overall greener on the head and underparts.
- Voice: The voice of the Anna’s Hummingbird is a series of thin, high-pitched squeaks and chips. The male’s song is a shrill, buzzy series of chip notes.
The combination of small size, thin bill, and purplish iridescence on the head and throat is unique among Californian hummingbirds and makes identifying the Anna’s straightforward under most conditions.
Range and Habitat
Anna’s Hummingbird is found along the entire west coast of North America from southern British Columbia to Baja California. It is the most northerly distributed hummingbird species, breeding as far north as Vancouver Island in Canada.
This species is a year-round resident throughout most of its range in California. During winter, some birds may retreat from the far northern areas of its range, but most remain along the Pacific Coast. Anna’s Hummingbird is comfortable in urban and suburban settings as well as wild areas.
Preferred habitat includes meadows, parks, backyards, open woodlands, scrub, and forest edges. It is often found in valleys but also occupies canyons, foothills, and lower mountain slopes. Flowers, flowering trees and shrubs, and nectar feeders provide food sources.
Behavior and Diet
Like all hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbird feeds on flower nectar and small insects and spiders. Its long bill and extendable tongue allows it to access nectar at the base of long, tubular flowers. Native plants like sages, ocotillo, and manzanita provide nourishment, as do nonnative garden flowers and feeders.
Anna’s Hummingbird is aggressive and territorial, chasing other hummingbirds from feeders and flowers. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in U-shaped or pendulum patterns to attract females. They also use dive displays, climbing up to 100 feet in the air before diving back down while making loud chirping sounds with their tail feathers.
Nesting occurs from late December through June. The tiny nest is only 1-2 inches across and made of plant down and spider webs. It is well camouflaged on the outer branches of trees and shrubs. The female cares for the 2 pea-sized white eggs and raise the chicks on her own.
Fun Facts
- The Anna’s Hummingbird was named after a 19th century duchess, Anna Massena.
- It has one of the largest ranges of any North American hummingbird.
- During courtship displays, the male ascends roughly 100 feet then dives steeply while buzzing and chirping loudly.
- The metabolic rate of hummingbirds is exceptionally fast. Their heart rate can reach 1,260 beats per minute.
- Hummingbirds drink more than their weight in nectar each day. They must constantly feed to avoid starvation.
- These tiny birds are fiercely territorial. They will chase all other hummingbirds from their feeding areas.
Identification Tips
To identify an Anna’s Hummingbird, look for these key features:
- Male has an iridescent reddish-pink throat and crown
- Female has green head and grey underparts with small purple spots on throat
- Small, slender build; 3.5-4.5 inches long
- Straight, thin bill just over half the body length
- Rounded, short wings providing rapid wingbeats
- Emits thin, squeaky chip notes
- Year-round resident along the Pacific Coast
The male Anna’s Hummingbird in breeding condition is unmistakable thanks to its vibrant purple throat. Females and winter males are best identified by range, relatively small size, lack of rufous on the tail, and squeaky vocalizations.
The Anna’s Hummingbird overlaps with other small green-backed hummingbirds like the Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, Costa’s, and Allen’s. Close attention is needed to note key field marks like size, tail shape, and vocalizations to distinguish them.
Conclusion
The Anna’s Hummingbird is a charming and feisty backyard visitor along the entire west coast. Its shimmering purple throat makes the breeding male an unmistakable sight. This species thrives in urban and suburban gardens where it aggressively guards nectar feeders. Learning to identify and appreciate hummingbirds like the Anna’s adds an exciting new dimension to birdwatching.