Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbird
(Stellula calliope)
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest North American hummingbird. When defending their feeding flowers or courting a female, males put on a striking spectacle, rising out of sight and then swooping down to buzz their opponent or the female.

Physical Description
Average weight: male 2.5 g, female 2.83 g. Female birds are larger than males.

Plumage
Adult male: Metallic green back and crown, white gorget with purple rays that may be erected to show a "whiskered" effect.
Adult female: Green back and crown, white throat with dark streaks, buff sides, white-tipped tail corners.

Habitat
Montane and subalpine forest clearings, brushy edges and alpine meadows.

Distribution
Observed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Winters in west-central Mexico.

Calliope Hummingbird Range Map