Hummingbirds are some of the most spectacular birds found in North America. With over 300 different species, identifying individual types of hummingbirds can be tricky. One species in particular that tends to stump even experienced birders is the black-chinned hummingbird. This medium-sized hummingbird can be difficult to distinguish from its close cousin, the ruby-throated hummingbird. However, with some knowledge of field marks, behavior, habitat, and range, identifying a black-chinned hummingbird is certainly possible.
Distinguishing Physical Features
When it comes to appearance, the black-chinned hummingbird shares many similarities with other small hummingbirds. As with most species, males and females exhibit different plumage. Adult males have a black chin and throat, a dark forked tail, and a purple crown. Their emerald green backs shine iridescently in the sun. Females lack the bold black and purple markings that males display. Instead, they have pale white throats and bellies with greenish backs. In general, black-chinned hummingbirds are smaller and shorter-billed than the large ruby-throats found in the Eastern United States.
In terms of size and shape, black-chins look extremely similar to ruby-throats and many other western hummingbird species. Focusing on finer details is the best way to confirm their identification. The most reliable field mark is the male’s distinctively black chin. This characteristic gives the bird its common name. While male ruby-throats have red throats, no other hummingbird shares the solid black chin patch of the male black-chin. This marking remains an easy-to-spot identification clue in all lighting conditions. Females and juveniles can be somewhat harder to differentiate, but they lack any of the ruby-red throats, orange bills, or bold white stripes that other species display.
Spatial Relationships of Key Markings
The placement of the black chin relative to other markings is also telling. The purple crown on a black-chin sits directly above the black throat. A crisp boundary separates the two zones. In contrast, a ruby-throat’s red throat bleeds into its darker head feathers, creating a gradient rather than a stark line. Black-chins also have longer dark tail forks compared to the subtly notched tails of ruby-throats. Paying attention to these subtle variations in the spatial relationships of plumage markings can serve as confirming clues. With some practice, the gestalt impression of a black-chin becomes easier to recognize.
Behaviors
In addition to visual cues, hummingbird behaviors can provide helpful insights. During the breeding season, male black-chins perform elaborate courtship displays. They fly in wide looping patterns up to 50 feet in the air before quickly diving back downward. At the nadir of their dive, they produce loud chipping vocalizations. Females build tiny compact nests out of plant down and spider silk. They fiercely defend flowers and feeders, chasing off intruders with aggressive chittering.
Black-chins often pump their tails while perching. They also hover in place more frequently than other species. Paying attention to these types of behavioral clues can help provide context on the species. However, be aware that some behaviors overlap between species. Using behavior alone without confirming visual markings could lead to misidentification.
Habitat Preferences
Knowing habitat clues helps narrow down possibilities. Black-chinned hummingbirds thrive in semi-arid forests and scrublands. They readily inhabit backyards and parks with flower gardens and feeders. In the east, they prefer pine or oak woodlands near meadow openings. They occur along forest edges and roadsides. Compare this to ruby-throats, which occupy more open areas near water and dense deciduous forests throughout eastern North America.
Black-chins frequent lower mountain elevations up to about 5000 feet. In drier southern regions, they dominate hummingbird communities. Their high heat and drought tolerance gives them an edge in hot climates. Consider the habitat you observe the bird in relative to its expected range and ecological preferences. If an unknown hummingbird is found frequenting dry scrublands or woodland edges within the southwestern U.S. or Mexico, black-chin becomes a stronger possibility.
Geographic Range
The black-chinned hummingbird occupies a large range across western North America. They breed from southern British Columbia down to southern California and New Mexico. Their migration route reaches into Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. A few vagrant individuals sometimes stray into the Eastern U.S. However, most sightings east of the Great Plains represent misunderstood ruby-throated or rufous hummingbirds.
Compare the location where you observed an unknown bird against a range map. A black-chin found during summer in Idaho is perfectly normal. The same individual appearing in South Carolina likely suggests a different species. Considering the time of year together with geography helps determine possibilities. As with any bird identification, evaluating multiple factors provides the best results.
Use of Field Guides
Field guides provide another useful identification resource for hummingbirds. Sibley and National Geographic field guides contain helpful comparison spreads showing the major North American species. Pay attention to basic plumage patterns and diagnostic markings. Cross-reference multiple guides to gain a well-rounded perspective. While a field guide cannot provide the nuance of examining a live bird, they condense key information into a portable reference.
Some field guides include audio clips of the most common vocalizations. Male black-chins produce a distinctive high-pitched twittering that differs subtly from Ruby-throats. Listening to these audio samples while referencing visual differences can reinforce identification skills. Just be aware that regional dialects exist, so vocalizations may vary across subspecies and geographic areas.
Using Photographs as a Field Guide
Online photographic field guides provide an alternative to traditional books. Websites like AllAboutBirds have galleries showing the same species from multiple angles. Flickr and other photo sharing sites allow searches for user-submitted images. Comparing your own photos of an unknown bird against these documented examples can assist identification. Photographs showcase finer details not visible in basic illustrations. They also provide more views including flight shots and images of females and juveniles.
As with any online resource, be aware of potential inaccuracies. Photos may be mislabeled or show captive birds rather than natural populations. Use reputable sites over random stock imagery for the best results. Cross-reference any photographic matches against physical field guides to confirm details. When used properly as part of a thoughtful process, online photographic guides give an invaluable perspective.
Using Technology
A variety of technologies provide options for identifying unknown birds. Smartphone apps like Merlin Bird ID allow users to input visual details, geography, and behaviors. The app then suggests possible matches complete with photos and descriptions. eBird’s online database stores millions of user-submitted observations. Their identification tips highlight the best clues for telling similar species apart.
Recording equipment can also assist with hummingbirds. High-speed video captures details difficult to observe in real time. Audio recordings document vocalizations that can be compared against known examples. Photos taken through a spotting scope or telephoto lens show nuances not visible to the naked eye. Paying attention to subtle differences in bill shape, feather textures, and wing patterns helps confirm IDs from images. Just be sure to allow time for the bird to adjust to equipment before recording.
Using Social Media for Assistance
Posting about an unknown hummingbird on social media can provide helpful input from other birders. Include any photos along with location, date, and behavioral details. Knowledgeable individuals often suggest possibilities and request additional info to refine ID. Sites like Reddit’s r/whatsthisbird community allow users to respond with ideas and discuss evidence. Just be aware that amateur responses may not always be accurate.
Use reputable groups related specifically to birding rather than general platforms when possible. Check the backgrounds of responders before taking suggestions as fact. Combine social media assistance with studying field guides yourself before drawing firm conclusions. Treat it as a brainstorming starting point rather than a definitive answer. Despite pitfalls, social media provides a powerful collective knowledge on identification stumpers when used responsibly.
Using Expert Assistance
If you still struggle to identify a tricky hummingbird, expert input may help reach a conclusive ID. Natural history museums and professional ornithological societies often provide consultation services. Include clear photos and detailed notes describing your observation. Provide complete location information and dates. Experts will review evidence and suggest possible matches along with justification for their opinions.
Banding organizations may request permission to capture and band unidentified birds. In-hand examination provides the best opportunity for identification. Capture methods should only be attempted under appropriate permits and guidance. Banding stations also welcome photographers to document their operations. These opportunities to observe known banded species provide invaluable learning experiences. Just be respectful of all hummingbirds and their needs during the process.
Staff at nature centers or parks may also assist in puzzling cases. On-site naturalists have the benefit of local familiarity with area wildlife. They may even recognize individual hybrid or variant birds. Visiting the initial sighting location with an expert allows observing clues in context for the best results. Combining evidence with experienced input covers all the bases for a confident ID.
Practice Makes Perfect
Developing strong hummingbird identification skills requires patience and practice. The more time you spend observing these spectacular birds, the more easily you will be able to recognize subtle clues. Keep a journal of sightings, noting key details both visual and behavioral. Sketch birds and pay attention to unique plumage traits. Return to the same areas to become familiar with regular visitors.
Train your eye to focus on hummingbird-specific markers like bill and tail shape. Notice how light plays across iridescent feathers. Appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, looking beyond categories on a checklist. Immerse yourself in the wonder of these energetic creatures. Allow your instinct to develop alongside scientific knowledge. With experience, identifying that black-chinned hummingbird will soon come naturally.
Conclusion
Black-chinned hummingbirds remain an identification challenge due to their similarity to other species. A combination of factors allows accurately distinguishing them with practice. Pay attention to key physical features like the male’s namesake black chin. Note subtle clues in feather patterns and structure. Compare behaviors and preferred habitats against expected ranges. Make use of field guides, photographs, technologies and experts to confirm observations. But also trust your own developing instincts as you spend more time appreciating hummingbirds. With careful practice, identifying a black-chinned hummingbird soon becomes rewarding and exciting rather than frustrating.