Allen’s Hummingbird Is One of the Smallest and the Prettiest Hummingbirds in North America
Allen’s hummingbird may be tiny, but it stands out fast. At just 3 to 3.5 inches long and weighing less than an ounce, it is one of the smallest hummingbirds in North America, and one of the most striking too.
Its bright green, rufous, orange-red, and white coloring makes it easy to spot when it flashes through the Pacific Coast. The species also has a narrow breeding range, a long migration path, and a few surprising behaviors that make it more than just a pretty bird.
Here is a closer look at what makes Allen’s hummingbird so memorable.
Allen’s Hummingbird Is One of the Smallest Hummingbirds in North America
It Is Also One of the Prettiest...
This bird breeds from February to July. The female begins to build the nest before the mating process. Males display by flying side to side or in wide arcs while emitting a bumblebee-like buzz with their wings.
The small nest is constructed from moss, lichens, spider silk, animal hair, plant down, and other delicate materials. The females build their nests in male territory, typically on a branch between two and 40 feet above the ground.
They lay two eggs and incubate them alone for 16 to 22 days. After that, the female also takes care of the young ones entirely by herself.
The chicks fledge about three weeks after hatching and are immediately independent. Potential threats to their existence include habitat loss, pesticides, and the spread of invasive plant species.
The Allen’s Hummingbird Breeds in a Narrow Strip Along the Pacific Coast, from Southwestern California to Southern Oregon.
And if you love pint-sized predators, check out the elf owl that looks like a tennis ball.
When It Migrates, It Reaches Southern Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Louisiana.
This Bird Breeds from February to July.
They Lay Two Eggs and Incubate Them Alone for 16 to 22 Days.
The Female Takes Care of the Young Ones Entirely by Herself.
Potential Threats Include Habitat Loss, Use of Pesticides, and the Spread of Invasive Plant Species.
Watch Them on Video:
This bird may be small, but it is also brave. Male Allen's hummingbirds will chase any other males from their territory, as well as any other hummingbird species, and have even been known to attack and drive away predatory birds several times larger than themselves, such as kestrels and hawks.
Pretty awesome, right? There is so much more than what meets the eye.
It does not take long for Allen’s hummingbird to make an impression. The tiny bird is known for its bright colors, fast movement, and bold behavior, which makes it stand out even in a crowded stretch of coastline.
Its life cycle is just as interesting as its looks. From nesting and raising chicks to defending territory and migrating across several states, there is a lot going on behind that small frame.
And once it starts buzzing around, it is hard to look away.
Want another tiny showstopper with a “bee” vibe, see the bee hummingbird.
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