According to Sibley’s Guide to Birds, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are the West Coast equivalent of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. I’ve always been a bit puzzled by the name as I see the position of the black gorget more as a throat than a chin. Despite that, the dazzling band of purple at the lower edge of the male Black-chinned Hummer’s gorget is stunning. This image is from Madera Canyon last month but we have them here in California as well. The males seem to hide themselves around here most of the time. While I do see female Black-chinned Hummingbirds fairly regularly, it’s been quite a while since I’ve seen a male here. I’m happy I get to see them in Madera Canyon.