The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small, fast-flying bird found primarily in the western United States. It is known for its dark, forked tail and the black “beard” on the face of the adult male. In this article, we will explore the range and habitat where Black-chinned Hummingbirds live.
Where Do Black-chinned Hummingbirds Live?
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are found predominantly in the western United States and Mexico. Their breeding range extends from southern British Columbia in Canada south through the western U.S. into Mexico. Some of the specific states and regions where they breed include:
- British Columbia, Canada
- Washington
- Oregon
- California
- Nevada
- Idaho
- Utah
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Colorado
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- New Mexico
- Mexico
During the winter, Black-chinned Hummingbirds migrate south and can be found along the Pacific Coast into Mexico and in southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas.
The range maps below from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology show the summer and winter range of the Black-chinned Hummingbird:
What Kind of Habitat Do They Prefer?
Within their broad western range, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are found in a variety of habitats and elevations. Their preferred habitat includes:
- Riparian woodlands and streambanks with sycamores, cottonwoods, and willows
- Pine and pine-oak forests
- Chaparral
- Orchards
- Parks and gardens
- Desert oases and washes
They are common in canyons and foothills and can be found at elevations anywhere from sea level up to around 10,000 feet. High-elevation meadows with flowering plants are popular summer habitats.
In both their breeding and wintering grounds, Black-chinned Hummingbirds seek out habitats that provide their preferred food sources – nectar from colorful tubular flowers and small insects like gnats, aphids, and spiders. They are attracted to vibrant flowers like red salvias, penstemons, fuchsias, and nasturtiums, as well as flowering trees and shrubs. They also readily visit backyard feeders.
Providing a continuous source of nectar and small insects allows Black-chinned Hummingbirds to inhabit a range of environments across western North America.
Key Features of Their Preferred Habitat
Some of the key features that Black-chinned Hummingbirds seek out in their breeding and wintering habitat include:
- Flowers – An abundance of tubular flowers that provide nectar, including columbines, trumpet vines, aloes, coral honeysuckles, and sagebrush.
- Water – Close proximity to water sources like streams, irrigation ditches, sprinklers, fountains, etc. They bathe and drink while hovering over water.
- Insects – Trees, shrubs, and gardens that attract small insects like gnats, midges, flies, aphids, and spiders that the birds eat.
- Trees and Shrubs – Trees like oaks, sycamores, cypress, and pines and shrubs like sages and buckwheat for perching, nesting, and shelter.
- Feeders – Backyard feeders with sugar-water mixtures provide supplemental nectar sources.
- Climate – Moderate climates and elevations that do not experience harsh winters or severe heat.
Access to this mix of food, water, shelter, and appropriate climate allows Black-chinned Hummingbirds to flourish across much of western North America.
When Do They Migrate?
Black-chinned Hummingbirds migrate between their breeding grounds in western North America and their winter range primarily in Mexico. Here are some details on their migration timing:
- Spring Migration: February – May
- They start arriving in their breeding range as early as February in Mexico and March/April farther north.
- Peak spring migration occurs March – early May.
- Fall Migration: July – October
- They begin departing their breeding grounds as early as July.
- Peak fall migration is August – September.
- Most arrive on their winter grounds in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. by October.
The timing and distance of migration depends on the subspecies and population. Northern populations migrate farther distances while southern populations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico are often year-round residents.
How Does Their Migration Contribute to Their Range?
The seasonal migration of Black-chinned Hummingbirds allows them to follow the bloom of nectar-producing flowers and take advantage of optimal breeding habitats during the summer across much of western North America. Without migration, their range would be more limited.
Some key ways their migration contributes to their broad range include:
- Allows them to breed in northern latitudes of Canada and the western U.S. where flowers and food are abundant in the summer.
- Enables them to retreat south to warmer climates like Mexico and southern Arizona/Texas in winter when food is scarce farther north.
- Provides access to a sequence of flowering plants and nesting habitats across a vast geographical area over the course of the year.
- Migrating allows them to adapt to changes in resource abundance in different regions over the seasons.
- Young birds migrate south in their first fall, expanding the wintering range over successive generations.
Their migration is a key adaptation that has enabled Black-chinned Hummingbirds to successfully inhabit diverse environments across a broad range that spans 4,000 miles north to south.
Notable Geographic Locations
Within their expansive western range, Black-chinned Hummingbirds live throughout many iconic geographic regions and natural areas. Some of the notable locations where they can be found include:
- Southwestern deserts – Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Mexico
- Rocky Mountains – Found at mid-elevations among wildflowers and pine forests
- Pacific Coast – Breeds along coast from Baja California to British Columbia
- Canyonlands – Colorado Plateau canyon habitat in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico
- Sierras – Foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California
- Columbia River – Breeds in riparian habitats along the Columbia River system
Some specific parks and protected areas where Black-chinned Hummingbirds can be spotted include:
- Yosemite National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Zion National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Banff and Jasper National Parks
So whether you’re hiking among giant saguaro cacti in Tucson or strolling through a wildflower meadow in the Rockies, listen and look for the high-pitched buzz of the Black-chinned Hummingbird!
Population and Conservation Status
The Black-chinned Hummingbird has a large population estimated to be between 13-20 million birds according to Partners in Flight. Trend data indicates the species’ population is stable and has increased in some areas in recent decades. Here is a summary of their population status:
| Population Estimate | 13-20 million |
|---|---|
| Population Trend | Stable/Increasing |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Major factors supporting Black-chinned Hummingbird populations include:
- Widespread availability of habitat and food across their range
- Adaptability to urban parks, gardens, and backyard feeders
- Not currently at risk from significant habitat loss or degradation
Given the large and stable population, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, some threats to monitor include:
- Impacts of climate change on flowering schedules and migration patterns
- Pesticides reducing insect food sources
- Habitat loss along migration routes and winter range
Ongoing conservation practices important for maintaining thriving Black-chinned Hummingbird populations include:
- Protecting riparian corridors and other natural habitats from development
- Providing supplemental nectar through backyard feeders and gardens
- Educating the public to support and care about hummingbirds
The resilience Black-chinned Hummingbirds have demonstrated by adapting to urban areas and expanding along migration routes bodes well for their future. Maintaining healthy ecosystems across their range will help ensure these energetic, sparkling jewels continue brightening the landscapes of the American West for generations to come.
Conclusion
In summary, Black-chinned Hummingbirds primarily inhabit a diversity of habitats across the western United States and Mexico. They migrate long distances between breeding grounds in the north and wintering grounds to the south, following floral blooms and optimal habitats. Their range reaches from Canada to Mexico and spans deserts, canyons, river corridors, and mountain meadows at elevations up to 10,000 feet. While Black-chinned Hummingbird populations remain healthy, continuing conservation efforts focused on protecting habitats and food sources are important for the future of these captivating birds. Their tenacity and adaptability continue to allow them to flourish across an expansive range.
