The Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) is a small hummingbird that is native to the coastal areas of California and Oregon in the United States. Some key aspects of the Allen’s hummingbird’s behavior include:
Territoriality
The Allen’s hummingbird is highly territorial. Males establish breeding territories in the spring and aggressively defend them from intruders. When a rival male enters his territory, an Allen’s male will perform displays of aggression, including aerial pursuits, quick dives, and wing-clicking sounds. Females also defend feeding territories after nesting but are less aggressive than males.
Courtship
Male Allen’s hummingbirds perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. Two common displays are the pendulum display, where the male flies back and forth in a wide arc above the female, and the dive display, where the male climbs 30-100 feet in the air before diving down past the female in a blur of motion and sound. Courting males also vocalize with chirps and whistles.
Nesting
Female Allen’s hummingbirds build a small cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens. They usually nest in the branches of trees and tall shrubs anywhere from 3-50 feet above ground. The eggs are pea-sized and white in color. Females incubate the eggs for 14-19 days before they hatch.
Migration
The Allen’s hummingbird is migratory. They breed along the Pacific Coast and winter in Mexico. Their fall southward migration takes place between June and August. Northbound migration back to the breeding grounds occurs between January and May. Some male Allen’s stay year-round on their breeding territories in California.
Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the Allen’s hummingbird has a specialized diet consisting of nectar, tree sap, and small insects like spiders and gnats. Their long, slender beak and extensible tongue allows them to access nectar deep within flowers. Allen’s hummingbirds feed from a variety of flowering plants including currants, gooseberries, lilies, fuchsias, and manzanitas.
Vocalizations
Allen’s hummingbirds communicate with a variety of vocalizations. As mentioned above, males make chirping and whistling sounds during courtship displays. Both males and females vocalize with sharp chip notes when defending territories or food sources. They also emit squeaky notes during aggressive encounters or when startled.
Distinguishing Features
Some key physical features of the Allen’s hummingbird include:
- Small size, about 3-4 inches long
- Short straight bill
- Iridescent bronze-green back and crown
- Orange-red throat, breast, and flanks
- Forked black tail with white tips
The male Allen’s hummingbird has more extensive iridescent plumage than the relatively dull female. Juveniles resemble adult females but have buffy white markings along the throat and breast.
Habitat
The Allen’s hummingbird inhabits a variety of forest and scrub habitats along the Pacific Coast. Their breeding habitat includes:
- Riparian forests
- Oak and pine woodlands
- Chaparral
- Orchards and gardens
In migration and winter, they also frequentscrubby deserts and mountain canyons. Allen’s hummingbirds thrive in areas with flowering plants and seasonal availability of food.
Range
The Allen’s hummingbird’s breeding range extends along coastal California into southern Oregon. Their winter range includes southern California south into the Baja Peninsula and western Mexico. Some maps of their range include:
| Season | Range Map |
|---|---|
| Breeding Range | |
| Winter Range |
Population and Conservation Status
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the global breeding population of the Allen’s hummingbird is estimated at 140,000. Populations are generally stable, and the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, habitat loss from human development along the California coast is an ongoing threat. Maintaining natural areas with flowering plants can help preserve populations of this colorful hummingbird.
Fun Facts
- The Allen’s hummingbird is named after Charles Andrew Allen, who collected the first specimen in Monterey in 1845.
- Their wings can beat up to 90 times per second!
- To conserve energy at night, they go into torpor – a mini-hibernation where their heart rate and breathing slow down.
- The male Allen’s dive display during courtship is one of the fastest bird dives known, with speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour.
- Allen’s hummingbirds are highly aggressive and will chase away larger birds from their territories, even hawks!
Conclusion
In summary, the Allen’s hummingbird is a feisty, energetic bird that is well adapted to its Pacific coastal habitat. Some of its most notable behaviors include defending breeding territories, elaborate courtship displays by males, and a specialized nectarivorous diet. This species migrates annually between its coastal California breeding range and winter range in Mexico. Maintaining natural habitat with flowering plants can help support populations of this iconic West Coast hummingbird.
