Hummingbirds are known for their small size, beautiful iridescent plumage, and ability to hover in midair as they feed on nectar from flowers. There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds found throughout the Americas. While the males tend to have the most vibrant, colorful plumage, female hummingbirds can also have distinctive markings that help identify the species.
Female Anna’s Hummingbird
One species of female hummingbird that has a noticeably white throat is the Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna). The adult female Anna’s Hummingbird has greenish-gray upperparts and grey underparts. Its most distinguishing feature is the small patch of iridescent red feathers on its throat, which is bordered by white.
Here are some more key facts about the female Anna’s Hummingbird:
- Length: 3.9 inches
- Wingspan: 4.7 inches
- Weight: 0.1 ounces
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
- Diet: Nectar, small insects
- Range: Southwestern U.S. and Mexico
The male Anna’s Hummingbird looks quite different from the female. The male has rose-pink plumage on its head, throat, and flanks. It also has an iridescent crimson-red throat patch or “gorget” that flares out and contrasts sharply with its white chest. When defending a food source, the males will spread their tail feathers and produce a loud chipping sound.
Identification Tips
Here are some tips for identifying the female Anna’s Hummingbird:
- Look for the small white-bordered red throat patch
- Grayish-green upperparts and grey underparts
- Straight black bill
- Frequent quick wing beats while feeding
- Small size and rounded shape
- Produces metallic “chip” calls
The female Anna’s Hummingbird is best identified by its distinctive throat patch. No other female hummingbird species found in its range has a reddish throat patch bordered by white. The Costa’s Hummingbird is the only other hummingbird with a red throat in the southwest U.S., but the female has a smaller throat patch with less contrast between the red and white.
Habitat and Behavior
The Anna’s Hummingbird can be found year-round in urban and suburban gardens, parks, and backyards. It thrives in areas with flowering plants and nectar feeders. Some key facts about its habitat and behavior include:
- Nests are small, compact cups made of plant down and spider webs
- Nest placement is typically on branches 10-20 feet above ground
- Breeding occurs from November to May
- Females lay 2-3 tiny white eggs
- Aggressive in defending feeding territories
- Males perform elaborate courtship displays for females
- Torpor used to conserve energy on cold nights
Providing nectar feeders with a sugar-water solution is one of the best ways to attract female Anna’s Hummingbirds to gardens and yards. They will also visit blooming plants such as fuchsias, lilies, cannas, trumpet vines, aloes, and sage. Planting tubular red flowers will help attract males displaying for females.
Range and Population Status
Anna’s Hummingbirds are native to the west coast of North America. Their breeding range stretches from southern British Columbia to Baja California. Some key facts about their range and population:
- Year-round range limited to coastal California and northwest Mexico
- Increasing range expansion inland and northward
- Most northerly wintering hummingbird species in North America
- Populations are healthy and increasing in urban areas
- Not considered threatened or endangered
The Anna’s Hummingbird has proven adaptable to human development, enabling it to increase its population and expand its range by taking advantage of gardens and artificially-fed water sources. Its ability to survive cold winters through torpor allows it to thrive as far north as British Columbia.
| Region | Breeding Range | Winter Range |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern British Columbia | Yes | No |
| Western Washington and Oregon | Yes | No |
| California | Yes | South and coastal areas |
| Northern Baja California | Yes | Yes |
This table summarizes the breeding versus wintering ranges of the Anna’s Hummingbird in key regions along the west coast of North America.
Conclusion
The female Anna’s Hummingbird can be readily identified by its small size, gray-green plumage, and distinctive red-bordered white throat patch. This energetic, pugnacious hummingbird is increasing its populations and expanding its range along the west coast by adapting well to human settlements and taking advantage of nectar sources in gardens. Providing nectar feeders and tubular red flowers will help attract these tiny birds. The Anna’s Hummingbird’s ability to use torpor helps it survive cold winters far north of its native range, making it one of the hardiest hummingbird species.
