The black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small, colorful bird found primarily in the western United States. Known for its iridescent plumage and energetic flight patterns, this species is a common sight in parks, gardens, and backyards across much of the western and southwestern U.S.
Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
- Other common names: Western black-chinned hummingbird
- Size: Length 3.5-4 inches, Wingspan 4.25-4.5 inches
- Weight: 2-6 grams
- Habitat: Open woodlands, canyons, mountain meadows
- Range: Western U.S. from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast, north to British Columbia, and south to Mexico
- Population: Estimated 3.5 million individuals
- Conservation status: Least concern
Are Black-chinned Hummingbirds endangered?
No, black-chinned hummingbirds are not considered endangered. Their widespread distribution and large total population have earned them a conservation status of Least Concern from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means they are not currently vulnerable to extinction.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Population
Black-chinned hummingbirds have an extremely large range across western North America. Current estimates place their total global population at around 3.5 million individual birds. Within the United States, Partners in Flight estimates there are approximately 3.1 million black-chinned hummingbirds. They are common summer residents in 11 western states including:
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Colorado
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Idaho
- Oregon
- Washington
In the winter, most black-chinned hummingbirds migrate south to Mexico and Central America. However, increasing numbers are overwintering along the Gulf Coast states and southern California.
Overall, their widespread distribution and large population size means black-chinned hummingbirds remain common and abundant across their range. They face no major threats to their long-term survival at this time.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Conservation Status
The black-chinned hummingbird has been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and given a conservation status of Least Concern. This means the species is not currently vulnerable to extinction.
Specific factors supporting its Least Concern status include:
- Has an extremely large range estimated at 1,390,000 square kilometers
- Global population estimated to be around 3.5 million individual birds
- Population trend appears to be stable and may be increasing in some regions
- Not facing any major threats or declines in population
As long as its habitat is protected, primarily open woodlands, and food sources such as flowers and nectar remain available, the widespread black-chinned hummingbird population is expected to remain secure well into the future.
Threats and Potential Risks
While black-chinned hummingbirds remain common across their range, some potential risks and threats to local populations exist and are worth monitoring. These include:
- Habitat loss: Conversion of open woodland habitats to farmland, development, or denser forest could negatively impact local breeding populations.
- Climate change: Shifting precipitation patterns, increased drought, wildfires, or other climate impacts could affect flowering plants and food availability.
- Pesticides: Use of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides in gardens and agricultural areas may reduce insect food sources and expose hummingbirds to toxins.
- Window collisions: Hummingbirds can collide with windows on homes and buildings, resulting in injury or death.
- Outdoor cats: Outdoor and feral cats may prey on hummingbirds, posing a risk especially to fledglings.
Ongoing monitoring of these threats and proactive conservation steps like planting nectar-rich flowers and reducing use of chemicals will help ensure black-chinned hummingbird populations remain healthy.
Efforts to Help Black-chinned Hummingbirds
While not endangered, here are some ways individuals and groups can support black-chinned hummingbird conservation:
- Plant native flowers and flowering shrubs that provide nectar.
- Avoid pesticide use especially during nesting season.
- Install hummingbird feeders using a proper nectar mix.
- Apply decals to windows to prevent collisions.
- Keep pet cats indoors.
- Support habitat conservation programs in your area.
- Participate in citizen science projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count to improve data on hummingbird populations.
With a few simple actions, we can provide habitat, minimize risks, and help track black-chinned hummingbird numbers to ensure they remain common across the western U.S.
Conclusion
In summary, the black-chinned hummingbird has a global population estimated at 3.5 million, along with a range covering over 1.3 million square kilometers of western North America. Because of its large numbers and widespread distribution, it is evaluated as Least Concern and not considered endangered. Ongoing habitat protection and management of threats like pesticides, window collisions, and cats will help maintain healthy populations of these captivating, iridescent birds into the future. With some support from wildlife enthusiasts, black-chinned hummingbirds will continue gracing parks, backyards, and open spaces with their energetic presence for generations to come.