Range

Common only in the foothills of coastal California, and southern Oregon. Sometime visitor to Texas.

Allen's Hummingbirds winter as far south as southern Mexico. They move north up the Pacific Coast in late winter, and south through the mountains in late summer.

A close relative of the Rufous Hummingbird, Allen's has a more limited range, nesting mostly in California.

Characteristics and Identification

Has a rufous tail, green back, and dark bill; difficult to safely separate from immature Rufous. Male has an iridescent red throat and shiny green back. Female's chin, throat, and chest are a dull white; center of throat with variably sized patch of red feathers.