The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird species in North America, measuring a mere 3 to nearly 4 inches in length. It has a striking appearance, with males showcasing a magenta throat with elongated streaks radiating outwards, contrasting sharply against their greenish upperparts and white underparts. Females are less colorful but share the iridescent green back and have a spotted throat.
These tiny birds are known for their remarkable flying abilities, including the ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings approximately 50 times per second. They are migratory, traveling long distances from their winter habitats in Mexico to their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada.
Calliope Hummingbirds prefer open areas, meadows, and edges of forests, especially in mountainous regions. They are often found at higher altitudes than any other hummingbird. During their breeding season, they are particularly territorial; males perform elaborate dive displays to fend off rivals and attract mates.
As our Hummingbird Week 2024 starts to wind down, we are proud to introduce the smallest breeding bird of North America to our Birdorable family-- it's the Calliope Hummingbird! The Calliope Hummingbird is a marvel in the bird world despite its small size. Named after Calliope, the muse of... Read more »
