Anna's Hummingbird

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Our Own Anna's Hummingbird

by Bill White '97

ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD is distinguished from other species by the male's bright, iridescent red throat and crown. Our own Anna's Hummingbird is the only hummingbird species seen commonly year-round in the San Diego region. Even the ones breeding in the local mountains move down to lower elevations during the winter months. Plentiful flowering plants and residential feeders help sustain an increased population compared to a hundred years ago. This species commonly ranges from Sonoma County southward, including coastal inland areas, the Central Valley, eastward to the lower mountain elevations, and as far south as northern Mexico. They will live at higher elevations in the mountains during warmer months, and some will winter in the desert areas. They also inhabit and visit the islands off of California's coast. Hummingbirds feed on the nectar of many species of flowering plants, preferring those with red flowers (as you may have already noticed). They also feed on small insects and spiders. And, of course, make full use of the many feeders that hummingbird fans put out to attract these fascinating birds.

Hold a nickel in your hand. Toss it up a couple of times, to get a feel of the weight of it. That's all a hummingbird weighs! Yet, you would never guess a hummingbird's size based on its attitude! Their behavior is entertaining to watch, but they ARE very aggressive and very territorial. You could have a huge feeder, with gallons of sugar-water in it, and one bird would try to claim it as their own, chasing all others away.

Unlike many other birds in San Diego, I haven't found anyone who knows of any natural predator for a hummingbird in flight. Their tremendous speed and aerobatic ability, plus a very sharp beak and feisty, aggressive behavior apparently keeps them off the menu for most predators.

Many species of this tiny bird migrate seasonally over incredible distances. The Rufus Hummingbird visits San Diego in both the spring and the fall, passing through on its annual journey from Central Mexico - all the way to Alaska!

Enjoy this little jewel of nature, our resident Anna's Hummingbird!

by Bill White '97

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TIPS FOR YOUR OWN HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER !

If you would like to put out a hummingbird feeder, or already have one, the following tips may prove helpful. Many suggest, including our own avian expert, Ranger Dan Bylan, that it is healthier for the birds not to use the pre-packaged hummingbird food. Instead, just mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water, and fill the feeder with the sugar-water mix.

Also, it is not necessary or recommended to put red food coloring in the feeder bottle, they will find it easily with only a little red color on the feeder, or at the tips of the feeder stations.

Remember to change the sugar-water every 3 or 4 days - to keep it fresh and clean !