A black and white hummingbird with a red neck is likely an Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin). Allen’s hummingbirds are small birds found along the Pacific Coast of North America. The male Allen’s hummingbird has a bright red throat and forehead, with a black crown and back. The underparts are white with green sides. The female Allen’s hummingbird lacks the bright red throat, and is instead green above with white underparts.
Quick Facts about Allen’s Hummingbirds
Here are some quick facts about Allen’s hummingbirds:
- Scientific name: Selasphorus sasin
- Length: 3.5-4 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5 inches
- Weight: 2-6 grams
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Diet: Nectar, insects, tree sap
- Range: Pacific Coast of North America
- Habitat: Gardens, parks, woodland edges
- Nesting: Cup nest built in trees or shrubs
- Conservation status: Least concern
Description of Allen’s Hummingbird
As mentioned, the adult male Allen’s hummingbird has distinctive plumage. The crown and back are black, while the throat and forehead are a vivid iridescent reddish-orange. The underparts are white with green sides. The female Allen’s hummingbird is not as brightly colored. She has green upperparts and white underparts with some green spots on the throat and sides. Both sexes have a straight black bill and dark tail feathers.
In flight, both male and female Allen’s hummingbirds display a mostly white tail with black central feathers. This helps distinguish them from other small hummingbirds like the Rufous hummingbird. Allen’s hummingbirds also have disproportionately long tails for their size. Their wings beat incredibly fast—up to 80 wingbeats per second!
Range and Habitat
Allen’s hummingbirds breed along the Pacific Coast from southern Oregon to southern California. Some birds migrate inland through Arizona and New Mexico or south to Mexico for the winter. However, many Allen’s hummingbirds are year-round residents in coastal California.
These energetic little birds prefer habitats with flowering plants and shrubs, including gardens, parks, and woodland edges. They are common in eucalyptus groves and oak woodlands along the California coast. Allen’s hummingbirds are very comfortable around human development.
Behavior and Diet
Allen’s hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers using their long extendible tongues. Favorite flower sources include currants, monkeyflowers, sage, and bottlebrush. They also eat small insects and spiders as an important source of protein. Males can be aggressive in defending flower or feeder territories.
These fast, agile flyers have been clocked moving at speeds over 30 mph. Besides hoarding nectar, Allen’s hummingbirds sip tree sap or aphid honeydew for quick energy. They perch frequently to conserve their energy.
Allen’s hummingbirds produce a variety of high-pitched vocalizations including squeaks, chirps, and buzzes. Males perform dramatic aerial display dives over their territories during the breeding season.
Reproduction
Allen’s hummingbirds breed from November through May. As part of their elaborate mating ritual, males climb high into the air, then dive down in a nearly vertical drop, reaching speeds of 60 mph! At the bottom of the dive, males produce loud chirping sounds with their tail feathers.
Females build small cup-shaped nests out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens. Nests are usually situated in trees, shrubs, or structures like lamp posts. The female lays just 2 tiny white eggs. She incubates them alone for about 16 days until hatching.
Allen’s hummingbird chicks are naked, blind, and helpless at birth. They are fed regurgitated nectar and insects by the female until they fledge in about 3 weeks. Even after leaving the nest, the young birds are still fed by the female for another week or two as they learn to forage on their own.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, Allen’s hummingbirds are classified as Least Concern. They are still common throughout their breeding range. However, habitat loss and invasive species may pose threats. Providing nectar feeders and native flowering plants can help support Allen’s hummingbird populations.
Fun Facts about Allen’s Hummingbirds
- Allen’s hummingbirds are named after Charles Andrew Allen, who collected the first specimen in 1845.
- Their rapid wingbeats make a high-pitched humming noise, giving rise to their name of “hummingbird.”
- To conserve energy, Allen’s hummingbirds enter a hibernation-like state called torpor at night and during cold weather.
- Their tongues extend more than their bill length when lapping up nectar.
- Allen’s hummingbirds are the most common hummingbird found along the California coast.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points about Allen’s hummingbirds:
- Small green and white hummingbirds with bright reddish-orange throats and heads (males only).
- Found along the Pacific Coast and inland throughout the western U.S.
- Drink nectar from flowers using long extendible tongues.
- Aggressive behavior and elaborate mating dives by males.
- Females build tiny cup nests and raise chicks alone.
- Common and thriving but face some habitat loss threats.
Conclusion
In summary, a black and white hummingbird with a bright red neck spotted along the Pacific Coast is most likely an adult male Allen’s hummingbird. These energetic and striking birds thrive in the gardens, parks, and woodlands of California and other western states. Providing native plants and flowers in your yard is a great way to attract Allen’s hummingbirds!
