Allen's Hummingbird
Allen's Hummingbird: Small, compact hummingbird; male has straight black bill, glittering green crown and back, white breast, and rufous sides, belly, rump, and tail. The throat (gorget) is iridescent copper-red. Feeeds on nectar, insects, spiders, and sap. Swift direct flight, hovers when feeding.
● Song:
"zeeee chuppity-chup"
● Foraging & Feeding:
Allen's Hummingbird: Long narrow bill and tongue allow it to obtain nectar from flowers. Also obtains protein from small insects. Consumes over twice its weight in nectar each day by feeding every 10 to 15 minutes and visiting as many as 1,000 flowers.
● Breeding & nesting:
Allen's Hummingbird: Two white eggs are laid in a tiny, tightly woven cup built on a sheltered branch. Incubation ranges from 15 to 22 days and is carried out by the female.
● Similar species:
Allen's Hummingbird: Male Rufous Hummingbird has less green on crown and back. Female Rufous Hummingbird is indistinguishable in appearance.