Anna's Hummingbird: A Colorful Marvel of the West Coast

Welcome to the amazing world of Anna's Hummingbird! These tiny birds, scientifically known as Calypte anna, are known for their bright colors and incredible flying skills. They live along the West Coast of North America. Also, live from southern Alaska to Baja California. They are often seen in gardens and parks. Anna's Hummingbirds are small. They can grow up to 3.9 to 4.3 inches (10-11 cm) in length and weigh around 0.1 to 0.2 ounces (2.8-4.5 grams).

In this article, we will learn all about Anna's Hummingbirds, including what they look like, what they eat, migration, egg size, nest, mating, male-female, and how they live.

Where do Anna's hummingbirds live?

Anna's Hummingbirds are primarily found on the western coast of North America. They inhabit regions from southern Alaska down to Baja California. These tiny birds are likely to live in gardens, parks, city parks, streamside groves, chaparral, open oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and wooded areas. They can thrive in both urban and suburban environments. During the winter they migrate to coastal regions.

What does Anna's hummingbird look like?

Anna's Hummingbirds are very small and strong energetic birds. Anyone can easily identify them by their size and colors. Here are the details about their size, weight, look, colors, and call.

# Anna's Hummingbird Size, and weight, look

Anna's Hummingbirds are very small birds. They can grow up to 3.9 to 4.3 inches in length with a wingspan of 4.7 inches. Their weight is approximately 2.8 to 4.5 grams. Anna's Hummingbirds look like moths because of their fast wing movements and hovering flight around flowers.

# Anna's Hummingbirds Color Variations

The colors of Anna's Hummingbirds are mindblowing. Males are very colorful with a metallic green back and a rose-red throat. Their heads become pinkish-red in the light. Females and juveniles are less colorful compared to male Anna's Hummingbirds. Females have less colorful greenish-gray backs and a pale underside. However, you can easily see some red spots on their throat.

# Anna's Hummingbird call

Anna's Hummingbirds have a variety of calls. Their most common sound is a sharp "chee-chee-chee-chee-chee" call. During the breeding season, males make a high-pitched song to attract females and defend their territory. Their song lasts for 10 seconds or even more time. Their call types are mostly buzz, chirp/chip, hi, etc.

What do Anna's hummingbirds eat

Most likely other species Anna's Hummingbirds primarily eat nectar from different flowers like currant and gooseberry. Their long tongue allows them to reach deep into flowers to access the sweet nectar. Besides nectar, Anna's hummingbirds also eat small insects and spiders. They get most of their protein from these insects and spiders. They are known to visit hummingbird feeders where they can drink sugar water solutions.

Anna's Hummingbird male and female

Males and females of Anna's Hummingbirds have many differences in appearance and behavior.

# Male Anna's Hummingbirds

Male Anna's Hummingbirds are known for their mindblowing colors. Their bright rose-red throat (gorget) and crown make them special in humming species. Males are highly territorial. They are very aggressive. They know how to defend their feeding and breeding areas. They show amazing displays during courtship, including high-speed dives and rapid side-to-side movements.

# Female Anna's Hummingbirds

Female Anna's Hummingbirds are less colorful compared to males. They have a less colorful greenish-gray back and a white or pale gray underside. Females are building their nest and raising the young. Females are territorial and are more tolerant of other hummingbirds.

Anna's Hummingbird Mating

The mating behavior of Anna's Hummingbirds is awesome. Males perform amazing courtship displays to attract female partners during the breeding season. One of the most amazing displays is the "dive display". In this display, the male flies high into the air and then dives toward the ground. They also make a loud popping sound with their tail feather while diving. If a female is impressed to see their display they will mate with them.

Anna's Hummingbird Nest

Female Anna's Hummingbirds make their nest. Their nests are cup-shaped and very small in size of a walnut. Females build the nest with spider silk, plant fibers, and other soft materials. The nests are often placed on tree branches or shrubs. Females make their nests nesting enough to protect against predators.

Anna's Hummingbird Egg

After making nests, Anna's hummingbirds lay two eggs per clutch. The eggs are very small like the size of a jellybean. Their eggs are 0.5 to 0.6 inches (1.2-1.4 cm) in length and width are 0.3 inches (0.8-0.9 cm). The female incubates the eggs for about 14 to 19 days. During these 14 to 19 days she remains in the nest and keeps their eggs warm and safe.

Baby Anna's Hummingbird

After the hatching is complete the baby hummingbirds (chicks) are born blind and featherless. They are fully dependent on their mother for food and warmth. The mother feeds their baby nectar and insects. Within a few weeks, the chicks develop feathers and grow rapidly.

Anna's Hummingbird Juvenile

Juvenile Anna's Hummingbirds resemble females but with some differences. Young males may have a few red feathers on their throats. As they mature, they gradually develop the bright colors of adult males. Juveniles are also more playful and curious than adults.
Look at the image below, a Anna's hummingbird juvenile is trying to take its first flight!

Anna's Hummingbird Predators

Anna's Hummingbirds face many predators because of their small size and agility. Common predators include:

• Cats:Domestic and feral cats pose a significant threat to hummingbirds.
• Birds of Prey: Larger birds, such as hawks and owls, may prey on hummingbirds.
• Snakes:Some snake species can climb trees and prey on hummingbird nests.
• Insects: Large insects, like praying mantises can capture and eat hummingbirds.

How Long Does Anna's Hummingbird Live

The average lifespan of Anna's Hummingbird is 8.5 years (according to some sources). They typically live for about 3 to 5 years in the wild. Some individuals have been known to live up to 8 years. Many factors such as predation, food availability, climate change, habitat loss, and more environmental conditions may affect their lifespan.  

Anna's Hummingbird Migration

Anna's Hummingbirds are very unique birds in North America. Many of Anna's hummingbirds do not migrate. They are year-round residents in parts of their range, particularly along the Pacific Coast. However, some populations migrate short distances to find food and more favorable climates during the winter. You may learn more information about hummingbirds in Arizona Hummingbirds: A Comprehensive Guide to Species, Habits, and Conservation .

Anna's vs Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Anna's vs Rufous Hummingbird

Anna's vs Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Conclusion

Anna's Hummingbirds are truly special birds. Their beautiful colors and unique behaviors make them a joy to watch. We have learned where they live, what they eat, and how they raise their young. Next time you see a tiny hummingbird in your garden, you might be looking at an Anna's Hummingbird! These incredible birds show us how amazing nature can be.