Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Size: The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a smaller hummer at 3.75 inches but with a slightly longer straight bill.
Identifying Characteristics: The male has a black chin with a violet purple throat. Like most hummers the throat changes color with sunlight. Typically the chin and throat are indistinguishable and appear black. However, when turned, with the proper sunlight you can see the violet purple of the throat as in the photos on this page. The crown is dark green (appearing black sometimes) so it is easily distinguished from the Anna's which is red. The gorget is not long like the Costa's or Calliope. The tail is white tipped with no orange. The male has no white on its tail.
Habitat: Open semi-arid areas near water, typical of the Madrean Sky Islands of Southern Arizona.
Range: Western United States and Mexico.Seasons: The Black-chinned Hummingbird spends its summers in the westernmost ten states (including Arizona) and spends its winters in Mexico. It is the most common (abundant) hummingbird in the Madrean Sky Islands of Arizona.
Where to Find: Miller Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Ash Canyon, and Madera Canyon. They will be the most common hummer you will see in any of those places. Finding them is a sure bet. They aren't frequently found here at The Azure Gate because they prefer a little higher elevation.
Comments: Black-chins are primarily nectar feeders using a long extendable tongue to feed. This makes them a good pollinator. They will also eat small insects on occasion.
But, because of their small size they are vulnerable to insect eating birds.
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