Allen’s hummingbird is a small, vibrantly colored hummingbird that is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. With its bright orange throat, green back, and long tail, Allen’s hummingbird is a striking and unmistakable bird. But where did it get its name from? The Allen’s hummingbird was named after Charles Andrew Allen, an amateur ornithologist who first collected the species in the 19th century. In this article, we’ll explore the discovery and naming of this bird, examine some of its key identifying features, and learn more about its range and habitat.
The Discovery and Naming of Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbird was first collected in 1845 near Monterey, California by Charles Andrew Allen. Allen was a businessman and amateur naturalist who developed an interest in birds and assembled a large collection of bird specimens from the West Coast of the United States. At the time, very little was known scientifically about the birds of California, so Allen’s collecting work helped expand knowledge of the region’s avifauna.
In 1847, Allen provided a number of his Californian bird specimens to John Cassin at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Cassin was an ornithologist who went on to describe several new bird species collected by Allen, including the hummingbird that now bears Allen’s name.
In 1850, Cassin formally described and named Trochilus alleni in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, noting its orange throat as a distinctive identifying marker. The genus name was later changed to Selasphorus and the species name became alleni.
So while Allen collected the first known specimens of the bird, it was Cassin who examined the specimens, determined the bird had not been previously described, and gave it its scientific name honoring Allen’s contribution.
Key Identifying Features of Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbird is a small, compact bird, measuring just 3 to 3.5 inches in length. Some of its key identifying features include:
- Green back – Males have a bright metallic green back. Females have green feathers on the back too, but they are less vibrant.
- Orange throat – Adult males have an iridescent orange-red throat patch, also called a gorget. The throat feathers can glow brightly in certain lights.
- Notched tail – Both sexes have a notched or forked tail. The outer tail feathers are narrow and pointed.
- White spot behind eye – There is a small white spot behind each eye.
- Straight bill – The bill is short and straight compared to other hummingbirds.
The flashy orange gorget distinguishes the adult male Allen’s from other small green-backed hummingbirds like the Rufous. Females lack the orange throat and are harder to identify, but can be recognized by the combination of their small size, green back, and notched tail.
Juvenile Appearance
Young Allen’s hummingbirds have a different appearance than the adults. Juveniles have the following identifying features:
- Mostly brownish gray overall
- Pale whitish tips on the tail feathers
- Buffy colored sides
- Dark bill
Over time, the juvenile male Allen’s hummingbird molts and obtains the green back and orange throat of an adult. The juvenile female transitions to the adult female’s more subdued plumage.
Range and Habitat
Allen’s hummingbird lives along a narrow strip of the Pacific Coast, ranging from southern Oregon to southern California. Within this range, some key aspects of its habitat include:
- Coastal woodlands and scrub
- Valleys and canyons along the coast
- Parks and gardens in coastal towns and cities
Allen’s hummingbirds are migratory, spending winters in Mexico and migrating north to breed during spring and summer. They tend to arrive in California in late January and February.
Some of the flowering plants and trees that attract Allen’s hummingbirds include:
- Eucalyptus
- Mimulus
- Penstemon
- Lupine
- Sages
- Fuchsia
The birds favor gardens and parks with lots of flowers as well as scrubby areas with a mixture of bushes, trees, and open space. Proximity to the ocean, mountains, or hills along their coastal range also provides good habitat.
Interesting Facts About Allen’s Hummingbird
Beyond its name and appearance, there are some other fascinating details that make Allen’s hummingbird unique:
- One of the smallest birds in the world – Weighing just 2-4 grams on average!
- High speed wings – Allen’s hummingbirds can beat their wings up to 70 times per second.
- Aggressive males – Males are very territorial and aggressive, especially during the breeding season.
- Unusual courtship – Males perform spectacular swooping courtship displays, reaching speeds of over 60 mph.
- Year-round residence – Some birds may remain along the California coast all year instead of migrating.
- Tiny nests – Female Allens builds a tiny cup nest out of plant down, spider silk, and lichen bits glued together with saliva.
Attribute | Facts |
---|---|
Size | 2-4 grams; 3 to 3.5 inches long |
Maximum Speed | Over 60 mph in courtship dives |
Wingbeat Rate | Up to 70 beats per second |
Migration | Migratory; winters in Mexico |
Conclusion
In summary, Allen’s hummingbird was named after the 19th century collector Charles Andrew Allen, who obtained the first specimen near Monterey, California. Ornithologist John Cassin later examined the specimen and formally described the species as Trochilus alleni in 1850.
Distinctive field marks like the bright orange throat patch, green back, small white spot behind the eye, and notched tail distinguish adult Allen’s hummingbirds. Their range is limited to the Pacific Coast where they are found in scrub, woodlands, parks, and gardens.
Some amazing traits like blazing fast flight speeds, aggressive territorial displays, and tiny nest sizes make Allen’s hummingbird a unique and specialized species along the West Coast. Though a diminutive bird, the vibrant Allen’s hummingbird holds a special place in the natural history and ecology of the region. Its name memorializes the contribution of amateur naturalist Charles Andrew Allen in improving early scientific understanding of western North American birds.