Black-chinned Hummingbird

The western twin of the Ruby-throated and the default summer hummingbird across much of the interior West — equally at home in desert canyons, cottonwood river bottoms, and suburban patios from Texas to British Columbia.

Range

Breeds from central Texas and northern Mexico west to California and north through the Great Basin to British Columbia. Winters in western Mexico; small numbers winter along the Gulf Coast.

Migration timing

Arrives in Texas and the desert Southwest in mid-March, the Great Basin and inland Northwest through April into early May. Southbound movement runs late July through September.

How to identify one

• Male: black chin over a narrow iridescent violet band — the violet flashes only in good light
• Female: plain green-and-white, essentially identical to female Ruby-throated (ranges barely overlap)
• Constantly pumps and fans its tail while hovering — a better field mark than color

At the feeder

An unfussy, faithful feeder visitor that tolerates people closely. In Texas Hill Country and Southwest towns it's the backbone species from March to September; watch the tail-pumping habit to pick one out instantly.

Where to find the Black-chinned Hummingbird

FeederDates › Hummingbirds › Species › Black-chinned Hummingbird