Dusky Hummingbird vs Allen's Hummingbird
Phaeoptila sordida compared with Selasphorus sasin
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Dusky Hummingbird | Allen's Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phaeoptila sordida | Selasphorus sasin |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 3.9199999999999995 g (0.14 oz) | 3.1500000000000004 g (0.11 oz) |
| Diet | Feeds on nectar from dry-forest flowers and flowering cacti in Mexico. Supplements diet with insects … | Feeds on nectar from coastal sage scrub and forest flowers in California. Supplements diet with … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Dusky Hummingbird
High, crystalline notes in animated phrase; clear bright tones cascading smoothly in lively vocal display.
Allen's Hummingbird
Deep, resonant churring trill; prolonged low buzzing sound carrying well across broad coastal mangroves.
Geographic Range & Migration
Dusky Hummingbird
Endemic to arid regions of central and southern Mexico. Resident in dry scrub and thorn forest from Puebla to Oaxaca.
Allen's Hummingbird
Breeds along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Partial migrant; some Channel Islands populations resident year-round.
Conservation Status
Dusky Hummingbird
Allen's Hummingbird
How to Tell Them Apart
Dusky Hummingbird
Pirre Hummingbird: males with iridescent violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted below
Allen's Hummingbird
Fiery-throated Hummingbird (alt): males with brilliant multicolored gorget; metallic green above; females duller; pale buff below
About These Birds
Dusky Hummingbird
A medium-sized hummingbird (10-11 cm) endemic to arid regions of central and southern Mexico. Dull olive-grey plumage, unusually drab for a hummingbird. Long, slightly decurved bill. Nectarivore of dry scrub and thorn forest. Adapted to xeric habitats.
Allen's Hummingbird
A small hummingbird (8-9 cm) breeding along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Males have an orange-red throat and rufous flanks. Closely related to Rufous Hummingbird. Partial migrant; some populations resident on Channel Islands. Named after Thomas Allen.