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Male
Location: Lake Murray, La Mesa, CA
Date: 2004-08-28
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6
Location: Lake Murray, La Mesa, CA
Date: 2004-08-28
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri
DescriptionBlack-chinned hummingbirds perform an elaborate courtship display during breeding season. The male makes a series of U-shaped swoops near the female. During the pendulum-like flight, his wings make a whirling or whistling sound. Like other hummingbirds, this one feeds on nectar and insects.
General: 3.25 to 3.75 inches in length.
Adult Male: Green back, flanks, and crown. White underparts. Black face, chin, and upper throat/gorget. Iridescent purple lower throat/gorget. White spot behind eye. Long, thin, straight, dark bill. Dark tail feathers.
Adult Female: Green back, flanks, and crown. White chin, throat, and underparts. Grayish-green face. White spot behind eye. Long, thin, straight, dark bill. Dark tail feathers with white outer tips.
Immature: Similar to adult female.
Woodlands, mountain meadows, canyons, town areas.
Nesting2 tiny white eggs. The incubation period is 13-16 days. Fledging occurs 21 days after hatching. The nest is an open cup made from plant wool and lichens woven together with spider webs. The female builds the nest, which is usually in a shrub or low tree. The courtship display of the male is a series of U-shaped pendulum-like swoops near the female.
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