Hummingbirds are known for their vibrant, iridescent plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. However, some species of hummingbirds have predominantly black or dark plumage. These black hummingbirds stand out both for their beautiful dark coloration and their rarity. In North America, there are three species of almost entirely black hummingbirds: the Black-chinned Hummingbird, the Violet-crowned Hummingbird, and Allen’s Hummingbird. Each species has distinct features and habitats. Understanding the identification, range, and characteristics of these species can help birders locate these unique hummingbirds.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is the most widespread and common of the black hummingbirds in North America. Adult males are mostly dark greenish-black on the head, back, wings and tail, with a prominent black chin and throat, a dark forked tail, and a dark slender bill. Females and immature Black-chinned Hummingbirds are paler gray-green overall, with white tips on the tail feathers and pale gray underparts.
This species breeds across western North America from British Columbia to Baja California and east to Texas, New Mexico and western Oklahoma. It winters in Mexico and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Black-chinned Hummingbirds inhabit meadows, woodland edges, and gardens, especially favoring sites near water. They feed on nectar and small insects.
Key identification features of the Black-chinned Hummingbird include its dark chin and throat with purplish iridescence, dark forked tail, and high-pitched metallic trill vocalizations.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
The Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps) is a rare but regular visitor to the southwestern United States from its core breeding range in Mexico. Adult males are a shimmering green-black above and on the head, with a violet crown patch. Females and immatures are duller gray-green with faint violet crown markings. Both sexes have white undersides with green streaks along the sides. Their long decurved black bills have a red base.
This species is most likely to be found in canyons, streamsides, and mountain foothills in southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico and western Texas. But vagrants can occasionally reach southern California and other southwestern states. Violet-crowned Hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar from flowering trees like sycamores along desert streams. They also eat insects.
The male Violet-crowned Hummingbird is unmistakable with its solid black body and vivid violet crown. Females are best identified by their relatively long bill with red base. Both sexes have high-pitched squeaky calls and produce mouse-like squeaks.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) is a small hummingbird that breeds along the Pacific Coast from southern Oregon to southern California. Adult males are solid greenish-black overall, with a brilliant orange-red throat, straight black bill, coppery-green rump, and long black tail. Females and young birds are gray-green with flecks of red-orange on the throat, rump, and tail base.
This species prefers coastal woodland, thickets, and chaparral, as well as parks and gardens. It feeds on nectar, spiders, and insects. Allen’s Hummingbirds are very aggressive, chasing away other hummingbirds from their territory.
Distinctive features include the solid black body plumage, bright reddish-orange throat, and loud rattling vocalizations. Allen’s Hummingbird has a very short wingspan that produces a quick buzzing wingbeat.
Identification Tips
Here are some tips for identifying black hummingbirds:
– Look for solid black, dark green, or gray-green overall plumage color. Brightly colored feathers may be present on the throat, crown, or underparts.
– Check for any iridescent or colorful feathers like purple, violet, orange, or red. Note crown and throat patterns.
– Consider the tail shape (forked or rounded) and length (short or long).
– Notice the bill shape and length. Bills may be straight or curved. Some have red or orange bases.
– Listen for metallic chips, rattling sounds, squeaks, or high-pitched trills.
– Check the range maps to determine which black hummingbird species occur in your region.
– Be aware of habitat preferences, as this can help narrow down the species.
With practice, birders can learn to identify these striking black hummingbirds by sight and sound. Observing key field marks and behaviors helps distinguish between species.
| Species | Range | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Western North America | Black chin and throat, forked tail, high-pitched metallic trill |
| Violet-crowned Hummingbird | Southwestern U.S. and Mexico | Violet crown (male), long decurved bill with red base, squeaky vocalizations |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Pacific Coast | Solid greenish-black plumage, orange-red throat, straight black bill, rattling sounds |
Behavior and Habits
The black hummingbird species share some common behaviors related to their feeding and lifestyle:
– Feed on flower nectar by hovering and licking with their long, extendable tongues. May also eat insects for protein.
– Highly territorial and aggressive in defending feeding sites. Males perform display dives and chase intruders.
– Nest alone, females building small cup-like nests out of plant down and spider silk on branches or stalks.
– Have very rapid wing beats while hovering and flying. Produce audible buzzing or whirring with their wings.
– Migrate from northern latitudes to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. for winter. Some southern populations may be year-round residents.
– Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying back and forth to impress females.
– Perch frequently when not feeding and may enter torpor at night to conserve energy.
Understanding these shared hummingbird behaviors provides clues about the identity of unfamiliar black hummingbird species. Focusing on vocalizations, displays, feeding actions, and habitat use helps ensure proper identification.
Conservation Status
All three black hummingbird species are currently doing well across their respective ranges:
– The Black-chinned Hummingbird has a large population estimated at 7 million individuals and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
– The Violet-crowned Hummingbird has a population exceeding 50,000 mature individuals and is also classified as Least Concern, though habitat loss puts pressure on some populations.
– Allen’s Hummingbird remains common along the Pacific Coast with a large global population, and is classified as Least Concern.
While these black hummingbirds are not currently at risk, maintaining natural habitats and food sources, mitigating climate change, and keeping feral cats indoors can help protect their future. Birders who provide clean hummingbird feeders and flowering native plants can support these unique species. Careful logging of sightings helps scientists monitor populations.
Conclusion
The Black-chinned, Violet-crowned, and Allen’s Hummingbirds stand out for their primarily black plumage that still shimmers with colorful iridescence on close inspection. Identifying these dark beauties by range, vocalizations, size, tail shape, bill traits, and behavior takes practice but offers a special thrill for bird enthusiasts. As rising challenges impact avian populations, appreciating and supporting these remarkable black hummingbirds in the wild promotes their continued presence across western North America.
