Allen’s Hummingbird (scientific name: Selasphorus sasin) is a small species of hummingbird native to North America. This bird is named after William Allen, a 19th-century naturalist who first described the species. It belongs to the Trochilidae family, which includes all hummingbirds. Allen’s Hummingbird is known for its bright orange-red throat (called a gorget) and its small, slender body. This species is often confused with the closely related Rufous Hummingbird due to its similar appearance.
Alternative Names: While the most common name is Allen’s Hummingbird, it is also sometimes called the Allen’s Hummer.
| POPULATION SIZE | 1.5 million |
| LIFE SPAN | 5 years |
| TOP SPEED | 93 kilometers per hour |
| WEIGHT | 3 gm |
| LENGTH | 3 to 3.5 cm |
Identification:
Juvenile Allen’s Hummingbird:
- Juvenile Allen’s Hummingbirds look similar to adult females but have slightly duller plumage. They usually have less vibrant throat colors, and their feathers are often more muted.
Adult Male Allen’s Hummingbird:
- Male Allen’s Hummingbirds are the most vibrant. They have an iridescent green back and a striking bright orange-red gorget on their throat, which shines brilliantly when they catch the light.
Adult Female Allen’s Hummingbird:
- Female Allen’s Hummingbirds are generally smaller and less colorful than males. They have a green back and a more subtle, pale orangish-red gorget. Their tail feathers are also slightly longer than the male’s.
Size of Allen’s Hummingbird:
- Length: Allen’s Hummingbirds are very small, with a body length of about 3 to 3.5 inches (7.5 to 9 cm).
- Wingspan: Their wingspan is typically around 4 to 4.5 inches (10 to 11 cm).
- Weight: They weigh about 2 to 3 grams, making them one of the smallest birds in North America.
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Call of Allen’s Hummingbird:
Habitat:
Allen’s Hummingbirds are typically found in western North America. During the breeding season, they live along the Pacific Coast, particularly in areas like California and parts of Mexico. They prefer open woodlands, gardens, and shrubs where they can find plenty of nectar-rich flowers. In the winter, they migrate south to Mexico for the colder months.
Died/Food:
Allen’s Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from flowering plants, but they also consume small insects and spiders for protein. They use their long, specialized bills to feed on the nectar and their forked tongues to gather it efficiently. Their diet helps fuel their high metabolism.
Nesting:
Allen’s Hummingbirds build their nests using soft materials like plant down, spider silk, and feathers. The nest is small, typically about the size of a walnut. They place it in shrubs or small trees, usually on the outer branches, where it is safe from predators. The female usually builds the nest by herself and lays two eggs, which she incubates for about 14 to 19 days.
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Behavior of Allen’s Hummingbird:
Allen’s Hummingbirds are territorial and will defend their feeding areas aggressively, including chasing away other hummingbirds or larger birds that get too close. However, they are often observed around human-made feeders, where they can be quite curious and allow people to get close. Despite their small size, they can be very bold when it comes to protecting their space.
Allen’s Hummingbird Lifespan:
- Allen’s Hummingbirds typically live for about 4 to 5 years in the wild. However, many do not survive their first year due to the dangers of predation, weather, or other environmental factors. The oldest recorded Allen’s Hummingbird was about 9 years old.
Allen’s Hummingbird Facts:
- Allen’s Hummingbirds can make quick, sharp turns in the air, almost mimicking mini-drones in their agility. This allows them to escape predators and rival hummingbirds quickly.
- The Allen’s Hummingbird was first described by William H. Allen in 1860, and the bird was later named after him.
- Hummingbirds, including Allen’s, have an excellent memory. They can remember the locations of flowers and feeders, and they often return to the same spots at specific times each day.
- Allen’s Hummingbird lays eggs that are the size of a jelly bean, and these eggs are incubated for about two weeks by the female.
- The nests of Allen’s Hummingbird are about the size of a walnut, and they are usually built in shrubs or trees that are around 10 to 15 feet off the ground.
- Hummingbirds are capable of inserting their long bills into flowers and using their forked tongues to collect nectar. They can extend their tongues up to 13 times per second while feeding.
- These birds have superb vision, capable of seeing ultraviolet light, which helps them locate flowers that are rich in nectar.
- Like most hummingbirds, Allen’s Hummingbirds can hover in place by flapping their wings in a figure-eight motion, allowing them to feed from flowers while staying completely still.
- These tiny birds travel between California and Mexico each year. Some migrate up to 1,500 miles to reach their winter habitats.
- Allen’s Hummingbirds can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) when flying in a straight line. They are among the fastest birds relative to their size.
Also, read All About the White tailed Eagle (Sea Eagle)
FAQ’s about Allen’s Hummingbird:
Are Allen’s hummingbirds rare?
Allen’s Hummingbirds are not considered rare, but they are not as common as some other hummingbird species. They are found primarily in parts of the western United States and Mexico, but they are less widespread than other hummingbird species.
What are the predators of Allen’s hummingbirds?
Allen’s Hummingbirds have a few predators, including hawks, kestrels, and other birds of prey. They are also at risk from snakes and lizards that may attack their nests.
Where do you find Allen’s hummingbirds? (Where do they live?)
Allen’s Hummingbirds are typically found in southern California and Mexico, especially in areas with low shrubs and flowering plants. They are often spotted in gardens, parks, and forest edges.
Do Allen’s hummingbirds migrate?
Yes, Allen’s Hummingbirds migrate between their breeding grounds in the western U.S. and their wintering habitats in Mexico. This migration typically happens in the fall and spring.
Why are Allen’s hummingbirds considered exotic pets?
While they are fascinating birds, Allen’s Hummingbirds are not typically kept as pets. However, because of their vibrant colors and unique flying abilities, they can be considered “exotic” by people who love watching birds. In some regions, people may attract them to their gardens with special feeders.
What do Allen’s hummingbirds like to eat?
Allen’s Hummingbirds feed mostly on nectar from flowers, especially those with red or orange blooms. They also eat small insects and spiders for protein, which helps them maintain their energy levels.
Are Allen’s hummingbirds social birds?
Allen’s Hummingbirds are generally not very social. Males are especially territorial, especially when it comes to defending feeding areas. Females, on the other hand, are a bit more relaxed and can often be seen feeding alongside other birds.
How long do Allen’s hummingbirds live?
Allen’s Hummingbirds live for about 4 to 5 years on average, but some have been known to live as long as 9 years in the wild.
What can I feed my pet Allen’s hummingbirds at home?
If you want to attract Allen’s Hummingbirds to your garden or home, you can feed them nectar (a mix of sugar and water) in a hummingbird feeder. It’s important to change the nectar regularly to prevent mold from growing.
How much weight can a Allen’s hummingbird carry in flight?
Allen’s Hummingbirds are tiny and light, typically weighing around 2.5 grams. They don’t carry much weight when flying, but they can carry small amounts of nectar or insects while in flight.
What would happen if Allen’s hummingbirds went extinct?
If Allen’s Hummingbirds were to go extinct, it could affect the local ecosystems where they live. They play an important role in pollination, helping many plants reproduce. Without them, these plants might struggle to survive, which could affect other animals and plants that depend on them.
Can Allen’s hummingbirds swim?
Allen’s Hummingbirds cannot swim. Like all hummingbirds, they are not adapted to water and prefer to stay near dry land where they can find food in flowers.
Are there different types of Allen’s hummingbirds?
There is only one species of Allen’s Hummingbird, known scientifically as Selasphorus alleni. However, there are other species of hummingbirds in the same family, but they are different from Allen’s Hummingbird.
What do Allen’s hummingbirds dislike?
Allen’s Hummingbirds dislike competition at their feeders, especially from other birds. They can be very territorial and will chase away intruders. They also tend to avoid areas with too much human activity or loud noises.
Can we pet Allen’s hummingbirds?
No, Allen’s Hummingbirds are wild birds, and it is illegal to keep them as pets in the USA and EU. They are protected by laws that ensure their freedom and well-being in the wild. However, you can enjoy watching them in your garden or at bird sanctuaries.
