- Calypte costae
Identification
One of the smallest North American birds at 8.9cm (3.5") in length, 12cm (4.75") wingspan. Weight 3.1gm
Irridescent purple head and gorget, with extensions at sides.
Similar Species
The female is very similar to the Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Distribution
Common within a narrow band of low desert, from Central California (summer) to extreme southwest U.S. in winter, extending to the tip of Baja California and down the west coast of mainland north-western Mexico.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Desert hillsides, mesas, and arroyos; follows winter rains to feed on resulting flowers. Nests January through March.
Behaviour
Typical hummingbird behaviour, but often soars between flowers.
Diet
Their main diet consists of nectar, particularly from salvia flowers.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved January 2016)
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Costa's Hummingbird. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Costa%27s_Hummingbird
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
