Allen’s Hummingbird, a tiny yet beautiful bird species, is often mistaken for its cousin, the Rufous Hummingbird. These tiny birds, native to the Pacific Coast of North America, are true beauties of nature, with unique characteristics and behaviours that set them apart from other hummingbirds.
In this blog post, we will explore 12 facts about Allen’s Hummingbird, shedding light on their appearance, habitat, behaviour, and conservation status. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or simply curious about these remarkable birds, you’re in for a treat!
What are the most interesting facts about Allen’s Hummingbird?
Allen’s Hummingbird is a small, colourful bird species native to the Pacific Coast of North America. They are known for their incredible flying abilities, including hovering and flying backwards, as well as their territorial nature and unique adaptations to their coastal habitat.
Now, let’s dive into the 12 fascinating facts about Allen’s Hummingbird:
1. Distinctive Appearance
Allen’s Hummingbird is a small bird, measuring about 8-9 cm in length and weighing only 2-4 grams. Males have a striking appearance with:
- Iridescent copper-red throat (gorget)
- Green back and crown
- Rufous-coloured sides, rump, and tail.
Females and immature birds are less colourful, with a green back and pale rufous sides. It’s important to note that Allen’s Hummingbirds can be difficult to distinguish from Rufous Hummingbirds, as some Allen’s Hummingbirds also have rufous backs, though they typically have a green back.
2. Limited Range
Unlike some hummingbird species that have vast ranges, Allen’s Hummingbird has a relatively limited distribution:
- Breeds primarily along a narrow strip of the Pacific Coast from southern Oregon to southern California
- Some populations are year-round residents on the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California
- Winters in central Mexico.
The migratory subspecies (Selasphorus sasin sasin) travels between the Pacific Coast and central Mexico, while the non-migratory subspecies (Selasphorus sasin sedentarius) is mostly found year-round on the Channel Islands and parts of mainland California.
3. Impressive Flying Abilities
Allen’s Hummingbirds are aerial acrobats, capable of:
- Hovering in mid-air
- Flying backwards
- Reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h during courtship dives.
Their wings beat at an astonishing rate of about 70 times per second during normal flight.
4. Unique Courtship Display
Male Allen’s Hummingbirds perform an elaborate courtship display to attract females:
- They ascend up to 30 metres in the air
- Dive steeply towards the ground
- Pull up at the last moment with a loud chirp produced by the rapid movement of air over their tail feathers.
- This display is often accompanied by a shuttle display, where the male flies rapidly back and forth in front of the female.
5. Tiny Nests
Female Allen’s Hummingbirds build remarkably small nests:
- About the size of a walnut shell
- Constructed using plant fibres, spider webs, and lichens
- Often camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings
- Usually placed on a downward-sloping branch for protection from rain
6. Rapid Heartbeat
These tiny birds have an incredibly fast metabolism, which is reflected in their heart rate:
- At rest, their heart beats about 480 times per minute
- During flight, this can increase to an astounding 1,260 beats per minute.
7. Specialised Diet
Allen’s Hummingbirds have a diet that consists of:
- Nectar from flowers (primary source of energy)
- Small insects and spiders (for protein).
Their long, thin bills and extensible tongues are perfectly adapted for reaching nectar deep within flowers.
8. Territorial Behaviour
Despite their small size, Allen’s Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive territorial behaviour:
- Males fiercely defend feeding and nesting areas
- They often chase away other hummingbirds, regardless of the species
- This behaviour helps ensure access to vital food resources.
9. Torpor State
To conserve energy, especially during cold nights, Allen’s Hummingbirds can enter a state of torpor:
- Their body temperature drops
- Heart rate and breathing slow significantly
- This allows them to use up to 50 times less energy than when awake.
10. Subspecies
There are two recognised subspecies of Allen’s Hummingbird:
- Selasphorus sasin sasin: The migratory subspecies that breeds along the Pacific Coast
- Selasphorus sasin sedentarius: The non-migratory subspecies found on the Channel Islands and parts of mainland California.
11. Conservation Status
While Allen’s Hummingbird is not currently considered threatened, there are concerns about its future:
- Habitat loss due to urban development is a significant threat
- Climate change may affect the timing of their migration and the availability of food sources
- The species is listed as a “Species of Special Concern” in California, indicating that it faces potential risks that need to be monitored.
12. Named After Charles Andrew Allen
The species was named in honour of Charles Andrew Allen, an American collector and taxidermist who discovered the bird in the 1870s in California.
Final Thoughts
Allen’s Hummingbird, with its vibrant colours, incredible flying abilities, and unique adaptations, is truly a marvel of nature. From their lightning-fast heart rates to their ability to enter a state of torpor, these tiny birds continue to fascinate scientists and bird enthusiasts alike.
As we’ve learned, these remarkable birds face challenges due to habitat loss and climate change. It’s crucial that we take steps to protect their habitats and ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy.
Before we conclude, here’s a question for you: Have you ever had the chance to observe an Allen’s Hummingbird in its natural habitat? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what aspect of these fascinating birds would you most like to see in person?
Thank you for reading this blog post about Allen’s Hummingbird. If you found it informative and engaging, please consider sharing it with fellow bird enthusiasts or nature lovers. Your comments and experiences are always welcome in the comment section below!
Other Related Posts:
- 10 Facts About the Rufous Hummingbird.
- 10 Facts About Anna’s Hummingbird.
- 10 Facts About the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
- 14 Facts About the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird.
- 10 Facts About the Black-chinned Hummingbird.
References:
- Allen’s Hummingbird: Link.
