A solid black hummingbird with a red throat is likely an Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna). This medium-sized hummingbird has mostly green feathers on its back and head, with a solid black tail and wings. The male Anna’s Hummingbird has an iridescent reddish-pink throat patch called a gorget. This brightly colored throat is very noticeable when the bird is in flight or displaying for females. Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast, ranging from southern British Columbia to Baja California. They are commonly found in gardens, parks, and scrublands. With their adaptable nature and readily use of feeders, Anna’s Hummingbirds have expanded their range over the past few decades.
Identifying Features
Here are some key features to identify an Anna’s Hummingbird:
Size and Shape
– Length: 3.5-4 inches
– Small, stocky build
– Short, straight bill
Plumage
– Males have iridescent reddish-pink gorget (throat patch)
– Green crown, back, rump
– Grey underparts
– Solid black tail
– Females lack gorget, instead having grey-green underparts with white tips and grey tail with white tips
Behavior
– Aggressive – will chase away other hummingbirds from feeders and flowers
– Male has elaborate diving display during breeding season, flying up and then diving down while making chirping sounds
– Produce a sharp “chip” call
Difference from Similar Species
Anna’s Hummingbirds resemble some other all-black hummingbirds when seen at a distance. Here is how to distinguish them from similar species:
Allen’s Hummingbird
| Anna’s | Allen’s |
| Gorget reddish-pink | Gorget orange-red |
| Tail rounded | Tail forked |
| Found along Pacific Coast | Found in coastal California |
Allen’s Hummingbirds have an orange-red gorget and forked tail. They only occur along the coastal areas of California, whereas Anna’s Hummingbirds are found all along the Pacific Coast.
Costa’s Hummingbird
| Anna’s | Costa’s |
| Smaller with shorter bill | Larger with longer bill |
| Gorget reddish-pink | Gorget purplish-magenta |
| Found along Pacific Coast | Found in desert southwest |
Costa’s Hummingbirds are larger with a longer bill and purplish-magenta gorget. Their range is the desert southwest U.S. and Mexico, versus the Pacific Coast range of Anna’s.
Rufous Hummingbird
| Anna’s | Rufous |
| Green back | Rusty brown back |
| Reddish-pink gorget | Orange gorget |
| Year-round range | Migratory |
Rufous Hummingbirds have a rusty brown back and orange gorget. They are migratory, breeding farther north and wintering in Mexico and the southern U.S. Anna’s Hummingbirds have green on their back and are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast.
Habitat and Behavior
Anna’s Hummingbirds can adapt to a variety of habitats and are widespread along the Pacific Coast:
Habitats
– Urban parks and gardens
– Scrublands and chaparral
– Oak savannas
– Riparian areas
– Pine-oak woodlands
Feeding
– Feed on nectar from flowers and flowering trees/shrubs
– Also eat insects for protein
– Easily use bird feeders with sugar water
Breeding
| Season | November – June |
| Display | Dramatic dive displays by male |
| Nest | Tiny cup nest in trees/shrubs |
| Eggs | 2 white eggs |
| Incubation | Female only, 16-19 days |
| Young | Fledglings leave nest at 21-25 days |
Anna’s Hummingbirds breed in the winter and spring when few other hummingbirds are nesting. The male has a spectacular breeding display, flying up about 100 feet then diving down at an angle while making loud chirping sounds with his tail feathers.
Range and Population Status
Anna’s Hummingbirds have adapted to urbanization and expanded their range northward along the Pacific Coast:
Range Expansion
– Native to California
– Expanded north into Oregon, Washington, and southern BC
– Range expansion driven by urbanization, bird feeders, warming climate
Current Range
| Country | Region |
| Canada | Southwestern British Columbia |
| USA | California, western Oregon and Washington, western Arizona |
| Mexico | Northwestern Baja California |
Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents along most of this range. Some northern breeders migrate south in the winter.
Population Status
– Estimated global population of over 1 million
– Classified as Least Concern on IUCN Red List
– Increasing population trend, estimated 40% growth 1966-2014
Due to urbanization and backyard feeders, Anna’s Hummingbird populations remain healthy and increasing. They are not considered threatened or endangered.
Interesting Facts
Here are some fascinating facts about these charismatic hummingbirds:
Torpor Use
– Can lower metabolic rate and enter torpor overnight to conserve energy
– Uncommon for hummingbirds to use torpor
Cold Tolerance
– Can tolerate overnight temperatures down to 23°F
– Expanding their range farther north than other hummingbirds
Longevity
– Oldest known wild Anna’s reached age 12 years 1 month
– Average lifespan is 3 to 4 years
Hybridization
– Male Anna’s will sometimes hybridize with female Costa’s Hummingbirds where their ranges overlap
Conclusion
In summary, a solid black hummingbird with a red throat along the Pacific Coast is likely an Anna’s Hummingbird. Males of this species have a distinctive reddish-pink gorget. They can be identified by their small size, short straight bill, round tail, and green back. Anna’s Hummingbirds breed in the winter and have expanded their range north in recent decades, thanks to urbanization and bird feeders. They are adaptable, aggressive, and trait-wise well equipped to handle colder weather. Keep an eye out for these charismatic hummingbirds on their breeding grounds along the Pacific Coast.
