Smallest bird in North America; males have streaked magenta-purple gorget. Among the longest migration distances for body size of any bird.

Also called: Calliope

Native status: Native; western North America breeder

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in); wingspan 10–11 cm
Weight2.3–3.4 g — the smallest bird in North America by mass
LifespanWild 5–8 years
OrderApodiformes
FamilyTrochilidae

§ Encyclopedia

The calliope hummingbird is the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. It has a western breeding range mainly from California to British Columbia, and migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America for its wintering grounds. The calliope hummingbird is the smallest known long-distance bird migrant, completing migrations twice per year of some 9,000 km (5,600 mi).

Source: Wikipedia — Calliope hummingbird Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Males: white throat with distinctive magenta-purple streaks (not solid gorget as in other US hummingbirds); green back. Females: green back, white throat with dark spotting, peach-buff sides.

Similar species. Rufous Hummingbird (much more orange). Broad-tailed Hummingbird (solid gorget). Black-chinned Hummingbird (solid purple gorget below black).

Voice. Soft chip notes; males produce mechanical "bzzt" with tail feathers during dive displays.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Flower nectar (paintbrush, currant, columbine, gilia); small insects and spiders for protein, especially during nesting.

Behavior. Despite being North America's smallest bird, undertakes one of the longest migrations relative to body size — over 8,000 km round-trip annually between Mexican wintering grounds and Pacific Northwest breeding range. Males perform U-shaped dive displays accompanied by a distinctive "bzzt" produced by tail feathers.

§ Range

Western North America in summer; winters Mexico

§ Habitat

Mountain meadows, riparian areas

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change, sugar water feeder contamination.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the calliope hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain clean feeders. Support western mountain habitats.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Hummingbird Monitoring Network
  • National Audubon Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018