They are different species. Black-chinned Hummingbird in Indiana would be a rare occurence. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is essentially the only hummer regularly seen east of the Mississippi River.

BN

yes that is what ive read also ,but the birds im seeing have solid black under the chin neck area , guess I will have to see photos of the black chin to know what they are that im seeing

The throat area on male hummers is irridescent..reflecting light at different angles to show the bright red coloring. In poor light or odd angles, these feathers look black. Indigo buntings are the same way. It is different than true colored feathers like the red in Cardinals. You could be seeing the throat area appearing black in odd light. Also, male Black-chinnneds have a band of irridescent bright purple under the black feathers of the chin area. That should easily distinguish male Ruby-throats from Black-chinneds.

BN

Bd- thanks for your input. Ive since seen the photos of black chinned and the purple band would be hard to see under the black. It would be a rare occurance indeed to see one in Indy. Ive also read than Indy has late season visitors of Roufus. I have a lot of hummer activity so this year Im going to keep my feeders going and maybe get lucky--steve