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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-Nightjars, Swifts, Hummingbirds, and Allies (Order Caprimulgiformes)

-Hummingbirds (Family Trochilidae)

-Ruby-throated and Black-chinned Hummingbirds (Genus Archilochus)

-Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)


Archilochus alexandri, also known as the Black-throated hummingbird, is a species of hummingbird found in the western United States to Central America. It inhabits open woodlands, gardens, and meadows. During mating season, males perform a stunning aerial courtship display for potential mates. They build nests of lichen and spider webs, usually found in the forks of trees or bushes. The Black-throated hummingbird feeds on nectar, small insects, and spiders. It is known for its bold behavior and will often chase away other hummingbirds from its territory. This species is easily identified by its glossy green feathers and striking black throat.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

Diet

  • Primarily nectar from a wide variety of flowering trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

  • Supplements its diet with small insects, spiders, aphids, and other tiny arthropods for protein.

  • Frequently visits hummingbird feeders and catches flying insects by hawking or gleaning them from vegetation.

Range

  • Breeds in the western United States and northern Mexico, from British Columbia and the western U.S. south into northwestern and northern Mexico.

  • Winters mainly along the Pacific coast of Mexico and from central Mexico south into parts of Central America.

  • A winter visitor to the Zihuatanejo region, where it occurs in tropical dry forests, woodland edges, gardens, parks, and flowering shrubs.

  • Prefers open woodlands, riparian corridors, desert scrub, and semi-open habitats.

Male / Female

  • Male: Metallic green upperparts with a black throat bordered below by a narrow, iridescent violet band that is most visible in good light; white collar behind the throat and a dark forked tail.

  • Female: Green upperparts with a pale grayish-white throat and underparts, lacking the black throat and violet band; outer tail feathers tipped with white.

  • Juvenile males: Resemble females but gradually develop black feathers on the throat during their first year.

Size

  • Length: 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in)

  • Wingspan: 11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in)

  • Weight: 2.5–4.5 g

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