Black-chinned hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri) are small, colorful birds that are native to the western United States. Though they are commonly found in states like California, Arizona, and New Mexico, some birdwatchers in Missouri have reported seeing them in their backyards as well. So do black-chinned hummingbirds actually live in or visit the state of Missouri?
Quick Answer
Black-chinned hummingbirds are occasionally spotted in Missouri, but they do not breed or regularly occur in the state. Most sightings likely represent vagrant individuals that have wandered east of their normal range.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Overview
Let’s start by reviewing some key facts about black-chinned hummingbirds:
- Native Range: Black-chinned hummingbirds are native to the western United States and Mexico. Their breeding range centers on Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas.
- Identification: Adult males have a black chin and throat, iridescent purple crown and throat feathers, and a dark forked tail. Females lack the dark chin and have a pale throat with green and white stripes on the sides.
- Size: They are small, measuring 3-3.5 inches in length on average.
- Habitat: Black-chinned hummingbirds occupy desert scrub, woodland edges, and mountain meadows. They are found in both lower elevation canyons and higher mountain forests.
- Food: These hummingbirds get nectar from flowering plants and supplement their diet with small insects like gnats, aphids, and spiders.
- Migration: They are migratory, breeding in the western states and wintering primarily in Mexico.
Range and Distribution
As noted above, black-chinned hummingbirds are western species. Here are some key details about their range and distribution:
- Breeding Range: Their core breeding range includes Arizona, New Mexico, southern California, southern Nevada, and western Texas.
- Wintering Range: Most birds migrate for the winter to western and central Mexico.
- Vagrancy: Small numbers routinely wander east of their expected range, mainly during migration periods.
- Recent Expansion: Their breeding range has expanded north and east over the past few decades. This is likely due to habitat changes and the availability of more artificial feeders.
Map of Black-chinned Hummingbird Range
Here is a map showing the range of the black-chinned hummingbird in North America:
Image source: The Cornell Lab
Occurrence in Missouri
With this background in mind, let’s look specifically at whether black-chinned hummingbirds occur in Missouri:
- Regular Range: Missouri lies well outside the typical range of black-chinned hummingbirds. The state is east of their core western breeding ranges.
- Vagrants: Black-chinned hummingbirds are considered very rare and accidental visitors to Missouri. When they do occur, they are likely vagrants or wandering individuals.
- Timing: Most sightings happen during spring and fall migration periods, when vagrancy is more likely.
- Records: There are a handful of records on file with the Missouri Department of Conservation for individual black-chinned hummingbirds spotted in the state over the years.
- Breeding: There is no evidence that black-chinned hummingbirds breed or regularly occur in Missouri.
In summary, black-chinned hummingbirds are considered accidental visitors to Missouri and do not form breeding populations in the state. Most sightings likely represent individual vagrant birds that have strayed east of their typical southwestern range.
Missouri Hummingbird Species
While black-chinned hummingbirds are rare vagrants, other hummingbird species do commonly breed in Missouri during the summer:
Species | Conservation Status |
---|---|
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Common statewide |
Rufous Hummingbird | Uncommon migrant |
Calliope Hummingbird | Rare migrant |
Spotting Black-chinned Hummingbirds in Missouri
While rare and unreliable in Missouri, black-chinned hummingbirds continue to turn up periodically in the state during migration or as wandered individuals. Here is some guidance for birders hoping to spot this western species in Missouri:
- When: Be on the lookout during spring migration (April-May) and fall migration (August-September).
- Where: Check feeding stations in western and southwestern parts of the state where vagrant sightings are more likely.
- How: Inspect all hummingbirds closely for key identification features like the dark chin, purple crown, and dark forked tail of adult male black-chinned hummingbirds.
- Reporting: Report convincing sightings to eBird or to the Missouri Department of Conservation to help track occurrences in the state.
With a good eye and a little luck, Missouri birders may be able to pick out a visiting black-chinned hummingbird during the migration seasons when vagrancy is most likely. Make sure to verify identification and report credible sightings to help improve our understanding of their wanderings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, black-chinned hummingbirds are rare and accidental visitors to the state of Missouri. While they do not breed or regularly occur in the state, individual vagrant birds continue to turn up periodically, especially during the spring and fall migration periods. Birders in Missouri should look for them carefully during migration and be prepared to verify identification and report credible sightings of this uncommon western species.