Bird
Allen's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasinAllen's hummingbirds are feisty coastal wanderers, recognized by their brilliant orange-rufous plumage and iridescent green backs. Males perform dramatic aerial mating displays, climbing high into the air before diving downward while their tail feathers produce a sharp buzzing sound. Females construct delicate, lichen-covered cup nests glued together with spider silk in dense shrubs along the Pacific Coast.
MigratoryNectarivoreTerritorial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFloral Nectar, Small Flies, Spiders
Predators
- Domestic Cats
- Sharp-shinned Hawks
- Praying Mantises
ThreatsHabitat loss, climate change, and window collisions
HabitatsCoastal scrub, chaparral, brushy canyons, and suburban gardens
Life span3–5 years
Classification
- FamilyTrochilidae
- SpeciesSelasphorus sasin
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Feeder Placement: Hang nectar feeders near leafy cover to give birds a quick retreat from predators.
- Plant Native Flowers: Grow tubular blooms like monkeyflower and salvias to supply natural nectar.
- Maintain Clean Feeders: Clean and refill hummingbird feeders every few days to prevent lethal mold.
Competitor Robert McMorran, United States Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain · cc0
Congener Michelle Lynn Reynolds / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Congener Dan Pancamo / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative VJAnderson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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