A Quick Profile on
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Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
Allen's hummingbird is native to the Pacific coast, from southwestern Oregon to southern California.
These 3-3/4 inch jewels sport bronze-green backs and flame-colored gorgets. They closely resemble their rusty-backed cousins, the Rufous hummingbird.
While feeding and defending territories, they will give off the same almost mechanical sounding "chp, chp, chp" as the Rufous does, adding more confusion for the untrained person. ( The female are indistinguishable from female Rufous hummers.)
In the southern part of their range, breeding may begin in mid November to take advantage of winter showers that bring wildflowers into bloom.
Male Allen's perform spectacular arial displays to attract females.
Starting high, they will make a "J"- shaped flight pattern punctuated by a sharp explosive sound.
This is repeated and at an angle where the bright gorget reflects in the sun.
Once they have mated, she does the rest and he will pursue other females.
Female Allen's choose nest sites a little distance from the male territories to avoid conflict with other birds.
Oak trees seem to be favored for nesting, but other sites are sometimes selected, including man made objests and structures.
Nests are built plant down, spider-silk, animal and human hair and bits of flowers. The outer part of the nest is covered with mosses, bits of bark and lichens.
Clutch Size:2
Eggs are about the size of a navy bean.
Length of Incubation: 17-22 days
Days to Fledge:22-25
Number of Broods:2
Diet:
Exclusively:
Nectar
Insects
Like Anna's hummingbird, Allen's is slowly expanding northward do in part to our landscaped gardens that offer colorful nectar rich flowers and shrubs.
The map below gives you an idea of this hummer's normal range.
Like all hummers, Allen's enjoys nature's bounty. What flowers to plant
Hummingbird feeders
Migration North
Hummingbirds mating
Migration South
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