Ontario Hummingbird Project - Understanding the life cycle of Ontario's hummingbirds

The following article was originally published in the Ontario Hummer Line, Journal of the Ontario Hummingbird Project, Vol.2 No.3 Fall 2007. Members of the Ontario Hummingbird Project receive three issues of the Ontario Hummer Line each year.

Black-chinned Hummingbird
(Archilochus alexandri)
Class: Aves
Order: Apofiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Sub-Family: Trochilinae

Black-chinned Female

Photography by Dan True

Description: The Black-chinned Hummingbird is known as the "kissing cousin" of the Ruby-throated. At 8-9 cm (3 in.) in length, it is the same size as its eastern counterpart and is very similar in appearance. Adult males have a black throat with deep purple iridescence on the lower half which is only visible in good light. As a result, it often appears that the entire head is black. Females and immature Black-chins are almost identical to their Ruby-throated cousins. This species has a longer, slightly downward curving bill. The back is not as bright green as the Ruby-throated. The tips of the outer primaries (wing feathers) are more rounded but this is difficult to see in flight. The Black-chinned Hummingbird has a habit of pumping its tail, while perched or flying. This is the best clue to identification.

Black-chinned Male

Photography by Dan True

There have been several reports to date of this species in Ontario, including one confirmed Black-chinned north of Lake Superior. These birds can be readily mistaken for Ruby-throats so it is possible that this species is underreported when visiting Ontario and other eastern provinces and states.

The Ontario Hummingbird Project should be notified at hummingbirds@bmts.com or 519-797-1313 as soon as possible if an unusual hummingbird is observed.