These hummingbirds naturally occur in forested areas, but they have become very used to suburban life as well. They’re common visitors at feeders and may even choose your garden to build a nest.
You can recognize male black-chinned hummingbirds by their black faces and iridescent purple throat patches, which the females lack.
Can you believe those colors?! As is usual, female Anna’s hummingbirds are somewhat drab. The males, however, have a distinct flair for the dramatic, with shimmering purple heads and iridescent green backs.
No, you’re not seeing double—the Costa’s hummingbird is a close cousin of the aforementioned Anna’s hummingbird, and the males sport similar purple head feathers. Costa’s are just a little fancier, though, as theirs are oversized and can be flared outwards to impress the ladies!
Allen’s hummingbirds are mostly rusty brown in color, with a white breast and some green coloration on the back. The gorget is a shimmering orange-red.