Desert Hummingbird Facts

The Costa's Hummingbird is scientifically known as the Calypte costae. It does not migrate very long distances, but is usually among the first to arrive in the spring. Costa's hummingbird prefers arid habitats where Joshua trees and cholla cacti grow.

Location

They have been observed in Arizona, California, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Canada. The Costa breeds from central California, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah southward. They arrive in the spring from late January to March and are typically gone by June.

Identification

Costa's hummingbird has a long, straight bill.

The Costa's hummingbird has a long, straight, thin bill, a bright green back and crown, and white underparts with greenish flanks. The adult male also has an iridescent purple crown and gorget, which extends far down his neck like a mask. The female has a dark tail with white tips on its outer tail feathers.

Size

Costa's Hummingbird is only 3 inches long.

Average weight for a male is 3.05 g; a female is larger at 3.22 g. Their average size is 3 to 3.5 inches with a wingspan of 4.5 inches.

Feeding

Hummingbird's main food is nectar.

The Costa's hummingbird eats all day and can consume 2/3 of its body weight. Sugar is the main diet staple, obtained from nectar. Hummingbirds use their bills to suck the nectar from the flower. They do supplement their diet with insects and forage.

Behavior

They flap their wings so fast it is a blur.

Hummingbirds can fly up, down, backwards, right, left, even upside down. Hummingbirds are propelled by the down-stroke and up-stroke, unlike other birds that only have power on the down-stroke. Most hummingbirds flap their wings about 50 or more times a second. The tiny feet are useless except for perching. Though they fly very fast, they can stop suddenly and land softly.

References

• Hummingbirds: Costa's Hummingbird
• Hummingbird World: Hummingbird Migration

Resources

• Hummingbird Picture Guide: Costa's