Despite the winds and rain of our coastal winter, one reminder of spring is ever present, bringing a wisp of song or moment of flight on even the grayest of days. The distinctive song of Anna's hummingbirds often surprises listeners with its squeaking phrases and twitters. The cricket-like chirping sound is rhythmically interspersed with the humming for which these tiny birds are famous. While most hummers do not have a song, Anna's sing year-round, producing beeps, chirps and whistles with their tail feathers.
Permanent residents of the coast, Anna's do not follow a major migratory route each year but choose instead to hover near home. Because they do not depend on nectar alone but dine on tree sap and insects as well, they are well adapted to the coast where they supplement their diet with azaleas, fuchsia-colored gooseberries and great-berried manzanitas. Larger than most hummingbirds, Anna's are easily recognizable; throat feathers in the male range from brilliant red or purple to near-black. Even the female sports a colorful throat, with white or green throat feathers standing out against her gray body.
To impress females and potential rivals, the male performs the dramatic feat of flying straight up as high as 130 feet into the air, then plummeting down and twisting its body so that the sun is reflected off its throat feathers and crown, offering an iridescent flash of dramatic color. The sight and sound of an Anna is a cheery harbinger of spring to enjoy throughout the year.
Tiny Tunes
Published: 03/02/2012 Updated: 08/08/2019
With buzzing wings and a squeaky chatter, Anna's hummingbirds are a year-round coastal resident and a musical sign of spring.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Lincoln City Activities & Attractions
Blow your own glass art or explore the one-of-a-kind on-site gallery featuring local artists.
Published: 03/02/2012 Updated: 08/08/2019
With buzzing wings and a squeaky chatter, Anna's hummingbirds are a year-round coastal resident and a musical sign of spring.
Despite the winds and rain of our coastal winter, one reminder of spring is ever present, bringing a wisp of song or moment of flight on even the grayest of days. The distinctive song of Anna's hummingbirds often surprises listeners with its squeaking phrases and twitters. The cricket-like chirping sound is rhythmically interspersed with the humming for which these tiny birds are famous. While most hummers do not have a song, Anna's sing year-round, producing beeps, chirps and whistles with their tail feathers.
Permanent residents of the coast, Anna's do not follow a major migratory route each year but choose instead to hover near home. Because they do not depend on nectar alone but dine on tree sap and insects as well, they are well adapted to the coast where they supplement their diet with azaleas, fuchsia-colored gooseberries and great-berried manzanitas. Larger than most hummingbirds, Anna's are easily recognizable; throat feathers in the male range from brilliant red or purple to near-black. Even the female sports a colorful throat, with white or green throat feathers standing out against her gray body.
To impress females and potential rivals, the male performs the dramatic feat of flying straight up as high as 130 feet into the air, then plummeting down and twisting its body so that the sun is reflected off its throat feathers and crown, offering an iridescent flash of dramatic color. The sight and sound of an Anna is a cheery harbinger of spring to enjoy throughout the year.
Permanent residents of the coast, Anna's do not follow a major migratory route each year but choose instead to hover near home. Because they do not depend on nectar alone but dine on tree sap and insects as well, they are well adapted to the coast where they supplement their diet with azaleas, fuchsia-colored gooseberries and great-berried manzanitas. Larger than most hummingbirds, Anna's are easily recognizable; throat feathers in the male range from brilliant red or purple to near-black. Even the female sports a colorful throat, with white or green throat feathers standing out against her gray body.
To impress females and potential rivals, the male performs the dramatic feat of flying straight up as high as 130 feet into the air, then plummeting down and twisting its body so that the sun is reflected off its throat feathers and crown, offering an iridescent flash of dramatic color. The sight and sound of an Anna is a cheery harbinger of spring to enjoy throughout the year.
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint offers spectacular exploring opportunities. Located about ten miles west of Tillamook at the north end of the Three Capes... [read more]
Cannon Beach offers access to some of the Northwest's most scenic hiking trails just minutes from elegant accommodations overlooking the Oregon Coast's iconic rocky... [read more]
The dramatic terrain of Harris Beach State Park hosts a menagerie of sky, land and water life that is nothing short of captivating. Aside... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Lincoln City Activities & Attractions
Demonstration and hands-on style recreational cooking classes.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Three days of Scandinavian musical, dance and theater groups are scheduled to entertain.