What is a black hummingbird with a pink head?

Quick Answers

A black hummingbird with a pink head is an incredibly rare color variation of the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). This unusual coloration is likely caused by a genetic mutation resulting in partial albinism that leaves the head without melanin pigmentation. Despite its unique appearance, a black and pink hummingbird is the same species as a normal ruby-throated hummingbird. It behaves the same, has the same habitat and food preferences, and sounds the same. The rare coloration does not affect the bird’s survival and ability to breed. A black hummingbird with a pink head has only been documented a handful of times in the United States and Canada. Most sightings are reported east of the Mississippi River within the ruby-throated hummingbird’s range. When spotted, these uniquely-colored hummingbirds tend to draw a lot of interest from birders.

What Causes the Unusual Coloration?

The black and pink coloration seen in these rare hummingbirds is caused by a genetic mutation that results in partial albinism. Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin pigment in feathers, skin, scales, fur, or eyes.

In most animal species, albinism is characterized by an all-white coloration. However, partial albinism can occur where melanin pigment is lacking only in certain parts of the body. In the case of these oddly-colored hummingbirds, the mutation seems to affect only the head area, leaving the rest of the plumage normally colored.

The rich ruby-red throat and black back and wings identify these birds as ruby-throated hummingbirds. This species shows dramatic sexual dimorphism, with the males having the bright red throat patch that gives the species its name. In the black and pink individuals, the melanin appears to be absent from the head and throat, resulting in the pale pink head color.

This is in contrast to the normal ruby-red throat patch found in males of this species. The lack of melanin only in the head and throat area points to the mutation resulting in partial albinism rather than complete albinism.

Differences from True Albino Hummingbirds

While pink-headed black hummingbirds appear similar to true albino hummingbirds, there are some key differences:

– True albino hummingbirds have white plumage on the entire body, lacking melanin pigment everywhere. The pink-headed black hummingbirds have normally-colored black and ruby-red plumage on most of the body.

– Albino hummingbirds have pink eyes due to the lack of pigment, while black and pink hummingbirds have normal dark-colored eyes.

– Albinism is thought to be more detrimental to survival compared to partial albinism. Completely albino birds are rarely spotted in the wild.

– Partial albinism allows for some normal plumage pigmentation, likely making the odd coloration less detrimental to survival.

So while they may look somewhat similar, the pink-headed black hummingbirds represent partial albinism rather than complete or true albinism. They appear to have a specific mutation affecting just the head area rather than a total lack of melanin production.

How Rare Are These Hummingbirds?

Black hummingbirds with pink heads are exceptionally rare. Since they were first documented in the late 1800s, there have only been a handful of credible sightings. Many longtime birders may go their entire lives without seeing one.

In general, albinism and partial albinism are rare in wild birds. Completely albino individuals likely do not survive long after fledging. However, partial albinism appears to occur slightly more often.

The ruby-throated hummingbird has the most reported cases of black and pink individuals compared to other species. One reason may be that the ruby-throated hummingbird has one of the largest breeding populations of any North American hummingbird, providing more opportunities for genetic mutations to occur.

Within the species, black and pink hummingbirds make up only a tiny fraction of the total population. By one estimate, only 1 in every 200,000 to 1 million ruby-throated hummingbirds may display this unique coloration.

Where Have Pink-Headed Black Hummingbirds Been Spotted?

Nearly all documented sightings of black hummingbirds with pink heads have occurred in areas where ruby-throated hummingbirds are found during summer months. This range includes most of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.

Specific U.S. sightings have been concentrated east of the Mississippi River. For example, several records exist from states such as Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

There are fewer but still a handful of observations from the west, including California, New Mexico, and Colorado. The species has also been documented as vagrant to the southwestern U.S. and Florida, where they do not normally breed.

In Canada, pink-headed black hummingbirds have been documented primarily in southern Ontario and Quebec provinces. These areas overlap with the northern limits of the ruby-throated hummingbird’s breeding range.

The vast majority of sightings are during summer and early fall months, typically July through September. This corresponds to the ruby-throated hummingbird’s nesting season and southbound migration.

Winter and spring sightings are much rarer, as ruby-throats abandon northern areas in late fall. But wintering individuals have been reported in places like Texas and along the Gulf Coast.

Behaviors and Habits

Aside from the remarkable difference in coloration, black hummingbirds with pink heads appear identical in behavior, habitat use, food preferences, and vocalizations to normally-colored ruby-throated hummingbirds.

These oddly-colored individuals have been observed visiting backyards gardens, nectaring on flowers, chasing other hummingbirds, and displaying other typical hummingbird antics. Their unique coloration does not appear to affect their lifestyle or survival ability.

They feed on the same flower nectar, tree sap, and small insects that normally-colored ruby-throats consume. They appear equally capable of hovering and maneuvering to access food sources. Nesting activities have not been documented but they likely build tiny cup nests in trees just like other ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Their chipping and buzzing vocalizations sound the same as their normally-colored counterparts. And aside from drawing the fascination of birdwatchers, they interact with other hummingbirds no differently than a typical ruby-throat would.

Overall, despite the dramatic color difference on the outside, these oddly-colored hummingbirds behave just like other individuals of their species on the inside. Their partial albinism does not seem to influence behaviors, habitat preferences, or general lifestyle compared to normally-pigmented birds.

Identification and Viewing Tips

Pink-headed black hummingbirds are unmistakable if seen well. The combination of a solid black back and wings with a bubblegum pink head is like no other North American hummingbird. But they can still be challenging to positively identify for a few reasons:

– They are incredibly rare and only a tiny number exist compared to millions of normally-colored ruby-throats.

– They may appear only briefly at a nectar feeder or flower garden before moving on.

Do Pink-Headed Black Hummingbirds Produce Equally Unusual Offspring?

There is still much unknown about the genetics behind these unique partially albino hummingbirds. But based on known cases, observations of offspring indicate the unusual coloration is caused by random genetic mutations rather than inherited recessive genes.

There are no reported instances of another black and pink hummingbird being documented at the same location in the same or consecutive years. Nor are there any reports of one paired with or feeding nestlings sharing the same coloring.

Instead, pink-headed black hummingbirds are nearly always observed alone and in the company of normally-colored ruby-throated hummingbirds. These facts point to the partial albinism arising from random genetic mutations rather than a localized population passing the traits to offspring.

While no nests or young have been directly attributed to a partially albino individual, chances are their offspring would exhibit normal ruby-throated hummingbird plumage. The albinistic genes are likely not present in the opposite sex partner, and not guaranteed to be inherited even if present.

The random genetic mutations producing partial albinism are thought to occur very rarely, perhaps only once in hundreds of thousands of individuals. So even if a pink-headed black hummingbird bred, the chances its offspring would share the same condition are extremely slim at best.

There is one known case in California of a normally-colored male ruby-throat mated to a female showing pale yellowish coloration over parts of the head and throat. This may represent a lesser degree of partial albinism being passed on. But the general rarity suggests most cases arise spontaneously rather than through direct inheritance.

Why Do These Unusual Hummingbirds Fascinate Birders?

While not the most common backyard visitor, pink-headed black hummingbirds hold an understandable allure for many birders. Part of the fascination likely stems from the uniqueness of their appearance compared to all other North American hummingbird species.

Seeing a male ruby-throat with its typical ruby-red gorget is certainly exciting. But there is something special about witnessing one exhibiting such an incredibly rare plumage. It’s a privilege to be able to observe a bird that few other people may ever encounter.

For avid birdwatchers building a life list, it represents one of the rarest and most memorable species variants that could ever be checked off. Adding a black and pink hummingbird will surely go down as a once-in-a-lifetime sighting to be treasured.

The temporary nature of their visit also adds to the appeal and excitement. A pink-headed black hummingbird may appear at a feeder, stay for a day or two, and then disappear never to be seen again at that spot. This creates a limited window to observe one before it vanishes.

There is also the appeal of having a mini-celebrity visit your yard. Local birders often spread the word when one is spotted, hoping others in the area will also be lucky enough to see it before it moves on. Homeowners often enjoy the attention and excitement generated by a rare sighting in their yard.

While not different species, many birders still eagerly add partially albino variants like leucistic blue jays and cardinals to their lists. The exceptionally rare sightings of pink-headed black hummingbirds therefore generate considerable excitement as well.

How Are They Able to Survive Despite the Unusual Coloration?

While appearing radically different, pink-headed black hummingbirds fortunately seem well-equipped to survive despite their limited melanin pigmentation. Several factors likely contribute to the survival of these uniquely-colored birds:

– Only the head and throat areas are affected. The black and iridescent green plumage on the rest of the body still provides effective camouflage and visual signaling.

– The birds are still able to utilize the same food sources and habitats as normal ruby-throated hummingbirds.

– Their feeding, breeding, and other behaviors seem unaffected by the unusual coloration.

– The pink and black color pattern does not inhibit their cryptic movements and quick, erratic flight patterns.

– Their small size in itself makes them less conspicuous to predators. The differences may go unnoticed at a distance by larger birds and other threats.

– Limited melanin in the head and neck may provide some benefit by allowing more light to reach the eyes and brain. This could slightly improve vision and environmental awareness.

– Partial albinism may be less detrimental to survival compared to full albinism seen in other species.

So while they certainly stand out to birders, it seems the oddly-colored hummingbirds are still just as capable of thriving in the wild as any other ruby-throat. Their rarity does indicate the genetic mutations causing it are not common. But when they do occur, the birds seem able to compensate well for the lack of normal pigmentation in some areas.

Conclusion

While not a distinct species, the black hummingbird with a pink head remains one of the most unique and rarest color variants found among North American hummingbirds. These special birds represent a case of partial albinism isolated to just the head region. Despite the strikingly different appearance, they behave much like any other ruby-throated hummingbird. Their unique genetics may draw interest, but they seem fully capable of surviving and thriving in the wild. For birders lucky enough to encounter one, it’s sure to be a wildlife sighting that will never be forgotten.

What is a black hummingbird with a pink head? - Hummingbird101 (2024)