The Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a small, brightly colored hummingbird found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Baja California. The male has iridescent magenta crown and throat feathers and makes a distinctive musical chirping sound. In this article, we will explore what an Anna’s hummingbird sounds like, when and why they vocalize, and how to identify their songs and calls.
Quick facts on Anna’s hummingbird sounds
- Male Anna’s hummingbirds sing complex songs and make chirping sounds to defend territories and attract females.
- Songs are a rapid series of squeaky or scratchy notes that sound like “zizz-zizz-zizz.”
- Calls include buzzy “chip” notes and whistling “sseet” alarm calls.
- Males sing most actively during the breeding season from December to June.
- Songs are produced primarily for courtship and territorial defense.
- Calls are used year-round for communicating location and alarm.
What does an Anna’s hummingbird song sound like?
The most recognizable vocalization of the male Anna’s hummingbird is its song, used primarily during courtship displays. The song is a rapid series of squeaky or scratchy high-pitched notes that last 2-3 seconds. The tempo is very fast, sounding like “zizz-zizz-zizz.”
To human ears, the song has a mechanical, buzzing quality. The pace remains remarkably constant throughout the song. This distinctive vocalization sounds crisp and sharp rather than melodious.
Anna’s hummingbird songs are significantly more complex than the simple humming we typically associate with hummingbirds. Male Anna’s skillfully coordinate their buzzing songs with aerial breeding displays, precisely timed wing beats and dives, and iridescent color flashes to attract females.
Audio of Anna’s hummingbird song
When do males sing?
Anna’s hummingbird males sing most actively during the breeding season, which occurs primarily from December to June along the Pacific Coast. Singing peaks in late winter and early spring when males are establishing breeding territories and courting females.
Males sing repeatedly while perched or during dramatic aerial displays, diving up to 100 feet before pulling up sharply. The complex vocalizations and maneuvers are all designed to show off for females and to warn rival males to keep their distance.
Outside of the breeding season, males rarely vocalize. But short bursts of song may still be heard sporadically in fall and early winter as males continue to defend food source territories.
What do Anna’s hummingbird calls sound like?
In addition to songs, male and female Anna’s hummingbirds communicate with simpler vocalizations referred to as calls. These include short chips, chatters, and whistles used in various social interactions throughout the year.
Chip call
The most common Anna’s hummingbird call is a buzzy, metallic “chip” sound. It is produced by both males and females frequently as they fly. This single chip note serves primarily to announce a bird’s location. But chip calls also communicate alarm or excitement in some situations.
Chatter call
A faster series of chips strung together produces a rapid chatter vocalization in Anna’s hummingbirds. Both genders use chatter calls during aggressive encounters with other individuals. Chatter calls signal annoyance, warning an intruder away from a food source or perch.
Whistling call
Anna’s hummingbirds also make a simple whistle composed of a single, high “sseet” note. This whistle serves exclusively as an alarm call warning of potential danger. Both males and females give the whistle frequently when disturbed by predators, humans, or other intruders.
How to identify Anna’s hummingbird vocalizations
Telling apart the diverse vocalizations of Anna’s hummingbirds takes practice. Here are some tips for identifying their sounds:
- Listen for rapid, squeaky, buzzing songs during the breeding season as a male advertisement display.
- Distinguish short chips and chatters in aggressive interactions over resources.
- Note single whistle notes when birds are alarmed.
- Remember that only males sing complex songs, while both genders use simpler chip, chatter, and whistle calls.
With good listening skills, you can decipher the messages within an Anna’s hummingbird’s repertoire of songs and calls. Understanding their vocal language will give you a window into the daily dramas of these feisty, energetic birds.
Unique adaptations for sound production
Anna’s hummingbirds possess specialized anatomical adaptations that enable them to produce diverse vocalizations. Here are some key features that give the Anna’s hummingbird its voice:
Syrinx
The avian equivalent of the larynx or voice box. The syrinx is located at the juncture between the trachea and bronchi and contains sound-producing membranes. Muscles surrounding the syrinx control pitch and notes.
Forked hyoid bone
The U-shaped hyoid bone supports the tongue bones. In hummingbirds, the hyoid is forked to anchor enlarged tongue muscles, allowing extremely fast tongue movements necessary for feeding. This also impacts vocal ability.
Elongated bill and tongue
Hummingbirds have bills adapted for accessing nectar from flowers. The elongated bill may resonate vocalizations. The extensible tongue allows meal extraction at up to 13 licks per second!
Rapid wing beats
Wing feathers vibrate during flight and contribute to hummingbird vocalizations. Anna’s wing beats peak at about 75 times per second!
Head feathers
Feathers specialized for display on the crown and throat surround the head and neck resonance chambers. These may help amplify and direct vocalizations.
Unique singing behaviors
Anna’s hummingbirds display some unusual singing habits that differ from typical songbirds:
- Songs are relatively simple, lacking melodic complexity.
- Repertoire is limited, with little song variation between individuals.
- Vocal learning ability is poor compared to songbirds.
- Songs are innately programmed rather than learned from tutors.
- Only males sing complex songs, while both sexes use simpler calls.
Researchers theorize these differences arise from neurological constraints and the evolutionary pressures of a nectar-feeding lifestyle. Outstanding flying skills take priority over vocalizations in hummingbird family life. Singing is not central to their communication system.
How do Anna’s hummingbird sounds compare to other hummingbirds?
Anna’s hummingbirds produce vocalizations similar to other species in the bee and mountain gem hummingbird groups. Distinguishing features include:
Calliope hummingbird
- Song is lower-pitched and slower paced than Anna’s.
- Song sounds like “seep-seep-seep” repeated.
Black-chinned hummingbird
- Song is a buzzy, nasal “zeeeep” note.
- Call includes whistled “sweeoo” notes.
Costa’s hummingbird
- Song is squeaky, insect-like, and elaborate in tone.
- Call is sharp “chip” or rattling “chit-chit.”
Rufous hummingbird
- Song is distinct rattle of notes like “chrbrrr.”
- Call includes buzzy “chip” notes.
Learning the unique song dialiects of each species takes practice. But attentive listening will help distinguish Anna’s from other Pacific Coast hummingbird vocalists.
Conclusion
The Anna’s hummingbird produces an array of vocalizations vital to its breeding displays and social interactions. Males sing mechanical, buzzing songs to court females and defend territories. Both sexes use simpler chip, chatter, and whistle calls year-round to signal location, excitement, and alarm. Distinguishing characteristics of songs and calls include:
- Song: Rapid, squeaky “zizzing” notes
- Chip call: Single buzzy chip sounds
- Chatter call: Fast sequence of chips
- Whistle call: High “sseet” alarm notes
Their diverse vocal repertoire reflects the Anna’s hummingbird’s energetic nature. Listening carefully will attune you to the unique voices of these spectacular Pacific Coast hummingbirds.
