Allen's hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that breeds in the western United States. It is one of seven species in the genus Selasphorus.
Region
Pacific Coast of North America
Typical Environment
Breeds primarily along coastal California north into southern Oregon, favoring coastal scrub, chaparral, open woodlands, parks, and gardens. Many winter along the Pacific slope of western Mexico, frequenting flower-rich edges and semi-open habitats. In urban and suburban areas, they readily use ornamental flowering plants and nectar feeders. Nests are placed low to mid-height in shrubs or small trees, often near reliable nectar sources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Allen's hummingbird breeds along the Pacific coast of the western United States, with many birds wintering in western Mexico. Males perform dramatic pendulum displays and high-speed dives, producing buzzy sounds with their wings and tail. They are fiercely territorial around rich nectar sources, including backyard feeders. The species is often confused with the Rufous Hummingbird, but adult male Allen’s usually shows a green back.
Adult female tending a nest
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering with rapid wingbeats and darting, acrobatic bursts
Social Behavior
Outside of breeding, individuals are largely solitary, defending nectar sources vigorously. Males court with looping pendulum flights and high dives; they do not assist with nesting. Females build small cup nests of plant down bound with spider silk and solely incubate and rear the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp chips and buzzy trills; males add a distinctive buzzy whirr from wings and tail during display flights. The overall soundscape is a mix of high-pitched ticks and mechanical buzzes near feeding sites.
