General

Allen's Hummingbird: Small, compact hummingbird; male has straight black bill, glittering green crown and back, white breast, and rufous sides, belly, rump, and tail. Throat (gorget) is iridescent copper-red. Female has grayer bill, bronze-green upperparts, white throat with dark flecks, and rufous-washed buff underparts. Tail is rufous, black, and green with white-tipped outer tail feathers.

Range and Habitat

Allen's Hummingbird: Breeds along the coast from southern Oregon to southern California. Resident in southern California; winters in Mexico. Preferred habitats include coastal chaparral, brushlands, and edges of redwood forests.

Breeding and Nesting

Allen's Hummingbird: Two white eggs are laid in a tiny, tightly woven cup built on a sheltered branch. Incubation ranges from 15 to 22 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Allen's Hummingbird: Long narrow bill and tongue allow it to obtain nectar from flowers. Also obtains protein from small insects. Consumes over twice its weight in nectar each day by feeding every 10 to 15 minutes and visiting as many as 1,000 flowers.

Readily Eats

Sugar Water, Commercial instant nectars

Vocalization

Allen's Hummingbird: Calls include a low "chup" and an excited "zeeee chuppity-chup."

Similar Species

Allen's Hummingbird: Male Rufous Hummingbird has less green on crown and back. Female Rufous Hummingbird is indistinguishable in appearance.