Calliope Hummingbird Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  The Calliope Hummingbird is small even for a hummingbird, and its hunched posture makes it look even smaller. It has a short tail and short wings that barely extend past the end of the tail. The bill is thin and short for a hummingbird.

  Relative Size

  Smaller than a Black-chinned hummingbird.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 3.1-3.5 in (8-9 cm)
    • Weight: 0.1-0.1 oz (2.3-3.4 g)
    • Wingspan: 4.1-4.3 in (10.5-11 cm)

  © Kent Leland / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  The standout feature of a Calliope Hummingbird is the magenta rays on the male's throat. Both males and females are greenish above, but males wear a greenish vest below while females and immatures have a peachy wash across their underparts.

• Behavior

  Calliope Hummingbirds take nectar from flowering plants and pick small flying insects from the air. They often forage low to the ground. When defending their breeding territory they perch on higher willow and alder branches. Males make U-shaped dives to attract females.
• Habitat

  Calliope Hummingbirds breed in mountain meadows, aspen thickets near streams, and open forests that are regenerating from a forest fire or logging. They spend winters in pine-oak forests and scrubby edges in Mexico.