Meet the Hummingbirds
Learn more about the 14 most common hummingbird species in North America.
By Stephen Kress and Elissa Wolfson
 Allen’s Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin
The genus name of this scarlet-throated hummingbird means “flame-bearing.” A close relative of the Rufous Hummingbird, females and
immature birds of the two species are nearly impossible to distinguish. Allen’s, along with Anna’s, are the only two common nesting hummingbirds in Northern California’s gardens.
Length: 3.75 inches
Wingspan: 4.25 inches
Migration: moves north from Mexico up the Pacific coast in late winter. Nonmigratory populations live in Southern California.
Habitat: nests primarily in California and prefers brushy hillsides, canyons, parks, coastal gardens and mountain meadows
Field marks: reddish-orange flanks, rump and tail; metallic-green mid-back and cap; flame-red throat; relatively long bill
Voice: Its call is a high, hard chip “tyuk.” Males’ wings create a high, buzzy trill.
Nesting: Nests sit in trees up to 90 feet above ground, usually in dense shade. The female lays two pure white eggs, then incubates and feeds chicks.
Feeding: prefers red, tubular flowers, including Indian paintbrush, penstemon and California fuchsia
Next | Anna's Hummingbird | Black-chinned Hummingbird | Blue-throated Hummingbird | Broad-billed Hummingbird | Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Buff-bellied Hummingbird | Calliope Hummingbird | Costa’s Hummingbird | Green-breasted Mango | Lucifer Hummingbird | Magnificent Hummingbird | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Rufous Hummingbird
This article originally appeared in Hummingbirds, part of BowTie Inc.'s Popular Birding Series.
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