Costa's Hummingbird

In the avian world, the Costa's hummingbird, Calypte costae, is a diminutive marvel. Adult males reach a mere 3 to 3.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 11 centimeters. The males, on average, weigh about 3.05 grams, while females are slightly heavier at 3.22 grams. The male is resplendent with a green back and flanks, a modest black tail, and wings. Below the gorgeted throat and tail, one finds patches of white. Its most striking feature is the iridescent purple cap and throat, with throat feathers that elegantly flare out and back behind its head. Females, however, are more subdued in appearance, with grayish-green upper parts and a white underbelly.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Costa's hummingbird, look for the male's vibrant purple cap and throat, which are particularly noticeable when the light catches them just right. The female can be identified by her more muted coloration and lack of the male's flamboyant throat feathers.

Habitat

The Costa's hummingbird favors the arid brushy deserts and gardens, thriving in the Southwestern United States and the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico.

Distribution

This species is a common sight in its preferred habitats, breeding in the arid regions of the southwest United States and northwest Mexico, and wintering in western Mexico.

Behaviour

Breeding

The male Costa's hummingbird engages in an elaborate courtship display, consisting of spirited swoops and arcing dives. He strategically uses the angle of the sun to showcase his violet gorget to potential mates. Each dive, performed at high speed, passes closely by the perched female, punctuated by a high-pitched vibration from his tail feathers. In addition, the male will perch and emit a high-pitched, scratch-like song. The female, meanwhile, constructs a small cup-shaped nest from plant fibers, down, and occasionally spider silk, camouflaged with lichen. She lays two white eggs and incubates them for 15 to 18 days, with the young fledging after 20 to 23 days.

Diet

The Costa's hummingbird, like its kin, feeds primarily on flower nectar and small insects, often seen hovering in flight as it feeds.

Torpor

During cold nights, the Costa's hummingbird can enter a state of torpor, a hibernation-like condition where metabolism slows, and heart rate and respiration decrease significantly.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Costa's hummingbird as Least Concern. The species enjoys a stable population with no immediate threats and can be found in protected areas.