Black-Chinned Hummingbird or Costa’s Hummingbird?

General appearance

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is about the size of a Sparrow, measuring approximately 3 3/4 inches (10 cm). Its most distinguishing colors are black, green, purple, and white. The bird's wings are narrow, rounded, and short, and its tail is multi-pointed, notched, rounded, and square-tipped.

Male vs female

The male's distinguishing feature is a black chin which is difficult to see. Below the black chin, there is a more discernible white collar and a purple band. The female Black-chinned Hummingbird, on the other hand, is nearly identical to the female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Distinguishing features include a long bill, pale underparts, and specific callnotes.

Juvenile

No specific information is available for the appearance of juvenile Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Considering hummingbirds as a species, juveniles often resemble the adult female until they achieve full adult plumage. Keep an eye out for the specific characteristics of the species, such as coloration and callnotes, when trying to identify juveniles.

Primary habitat

The black-chinned hummingbird breeds in a variety of semi-arid, semi-open habitats, from suburbs to stream sides and brushy areas.

Additional range

In the southwest, it thrives along dense desert washes and rivers. Post-breeding, it can move to higher mountain elevations.

Natural diet

The black-chinned hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar obtained from various flowers. In addition to nectar, its natural diet includes tiny insects, which provide essential proteins and nutrients not found in nectar alone.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the black-chinned hummingbird often consumes sugar-water mixtures which mimic the nectar found in flowers. These feeders provide an additional food source, especially when flowers are less abundant.