Black-chinned Hummingbird vs Buff-bellied Hummingbird

In short

The Black-chinned Hummingbird and Buff-bellied Hummingbird can be distinguished by their throat and belly colors. The Black-chinned has a distinctive black throat with a thin purple band, while the Buff-bellied has a buff-colored belly and a more uniformly green throat. These differences are most apparent in good light conditions.

Identification tips

• Look for the black throat with a purple band on the Black-chinned Hummingbird.
• Check for the buff-colored belly and rufous tail on the Buff-bellied Hummingbird.
• Observe habitat: Black-chinned is more urban, Buff-bellied prefers Gulf Coast woodlands.
• Note vocalizations: Black-chinned has distinctive high-pitched chips.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Buff-bellied Hummingbird may appear slightly bulkier due to its more robust body.

Plumage

The Black-chinned Hummingbird has a black throat with a narrow purple band, contrasting with its white underparts. The Buff-bellied Hummingbird features a buff-colored belly and a green throat, with a rufous tail that is more pronounced than in the Black-chinned.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical hummingbird behaviors such as rapid flight and hovering at flowers. The Black-chinned is known for its adaptability to urban areas, while the Buff-bellied is more commonly found in natural habitats.

Habitat

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is adaptable and found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, while the Buff-bellied Hummingbird prefers arid shrublands and semihumid woodlands, primarily along the Gulf Coast of Mexico and southern Texas.

Voice

The Black-chinned Hummingbird has a series of high-pitched chips and trills, while the Buff-bellied Hummingbird's calls are less documented but generally include sharp chips.