Blue-Chested Hummingbird or Black-Chinned Hummingbird?
Here's how to tell the difference
Blue-Chested Hummingbird
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Blue-Chested Hummingbird
Polyerata amabilis
Also known as: Blue Chested Hummingbird
General appearance
The Blue-chested Hummingbird, a colorful creature, has a metallic green upper body. Its lower body varies between dark green and blue. It has bright white spots on its tail feathers and a slender, straight beak ideal for feeding on nectar.
Male vs female
Distinguishing between a male and female Blue-chested Hummingbird can be challenging as both sexes share the same colorations. However, males are usually more luminous and have more blue on their chests compared to their female counterparts.
Juvenile
Juvenile Blue-chested Hummingbirds resemble their adult counterparts, although their plumage may not be as vibrant. As they mature, their colors gradually become brighter. Differences between sexes are negligible during this stage of development.
Size
2.8 - 4.3 in/0.1 - 0.2 oz
There's more to learn about Blue-Chested Hummingbird
View full detailsBlack-Chinned Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri
General appearance
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is about the size of a Sparrow, measuring approximately 3 3/4 inches (10 cm). Its most distinguishing colors are black, green, purple, and white. The bird's wings are narrow, rounded, and short, and its tail is multi-pointed, notched, rounded, and square-tipped.
Male vs female
The male's distinguishing feature is a black chin which is difficult to see. Below the black chin, there is a more discernible white collar and a purple band. The female Black-chinned Hummingbird, on the other hand, is nearly identical to the female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Distinguishing features include a long bill, pale underparts, and specific callnotes.
Juvenile
No specific information is available for the appearance of juvenile Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Considering hummingbirds as a species, juveniles often resemble the adult female until they achieve full adult plumage. Keep an eye out for the specific characteristics of the species, such as coloration and callnotes, when trying to identify juveniles.
Size
3.7 - 4.1 in/0.1 - 0.2 oz
There's more to learn about Black-Chinned Hummingbird
View full detailsHow to tell the Blue-Chested Hummingbird from the Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Visual differences
The Blue-Chested Hummingbird (2.7-3.9 in, 0.13-0.17 oz) is smaller and features a metallic green upper body with dark green to blue underparts and bright white tail spots. Both sexes appear similar but males show more luminous blue. The Black-Chinned Hummingbird (3.75 in, 0.09-0.18 oz) is similar in length, with a notable black chin and purple band, and a white collar. Its tail is multi-pointed and notch-tipped, while the wings are narrow and rounded. Blue-Chested has a straight beak, whereas the Black-Chinned’s beak is longer.
Key differences and behavior
The Blue-Chested and Black-Chinned Hummingbirds exhibit distinct behavioral differences. Blue-Chested Hummingbirds are short-distance migrants, constantly moving in search of nectar-rich flowers and are sociable, often forming leks for mating displays. In contrast, Black-Chinned Hummingbirds frequent semi-arid habitats and perform notable pendulum courtship displays. Blue-Chested Hummingbirds primarily inhabit humid lowland forests in Central and South America, while Black-Chinned thrive in semi-open environments, including suburbs and desert washes in the U.S. Southwest. Both species consume nectar and insects, but Blue-Chested Hummingbirds are more territorial about feeding areas during scarcity. Nest construction is similar, but Black-Chinned Hummingbirds often nest closer to the ground. Overall, behavioral clues such as migration patterns, courtship, and habitat preference are key to distinguishing them.
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