Archilochus alexandri

Archilochus alexandri and A. colubris (ruby-throated hummingbird) appear to constitute a superspecies (AOU 1998). There are no subspecies described. See Baltosser et al. (1998) for a taxonomic assessment of the various populations using molecular genetic techniques. Taxonomic status of Black-chinned Hummingbird populations will be resolved on the basis of morphometric and molecular data (Baltosser and Russel 2000).

Large range in western North America; species occurs in wide range of natural and highly altered habitats; large population size; population likely stable or increasing; no known major threats.

Breeding range extends from south-central British Columbia, Washington, central Idaho, and northwestern Montana southward to northern Baja California, northern Sonora, northern Chihuahua, northern Coahuila (probably), and southern Texas, and east to southwestern Wyoming, southeastern Colorado, southwestern Oklahoma, and central Texas (to Dallas, Navarro, and Hidalgo counties) (AOU 1998). In winter, this species occurs primarily along the Pacific slope from southern Sonora (casually southern California) south to Michoacán and Morelos, and also small numbers in southeastern Texas east along the Gulf coast to northwestern Florida; casually also in Georgia and South Carolina (AOU 1998). Migrating birds occur throughout much of northern Mexico south of the breeding range from eastern Baja California and Sonora to western Tamaulipas, south to the limit of the winter range (AOU 1998). Elevational range extends from below sea level to above 2,500 meters (Baltosser and Russell (2000).

The number of distinct occurrences or subpopulations has not been determined using standardized criteria, but this species is represented by a large number of observation/collection sites (e.g., see GBIF database, eBird) and locations (as defined by IUCN).

No major threats are known.