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Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

Least Concern
Wingspan
8.3 cm
Weight
2.7633333333333336 g
Family
Trochilidae
Order
Caprimulgiformes

About

A tiny hummingbird (7-8 cm), the smallest breeding bird in the United States. Males have an iridescent magenta-pink gorget. Breeds in mountain meadows of the western US and Canada. Long-distance migrant to Mexico. Named for its resemblance to the beautiful Calliope of Greek mythology.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 8.3 cm 3.3 in
Weight 2.7633333333333336 g 0.10 oz

Identification

Plumage

Violet-crowned Woodnymph: males with iridescent violet crown and gorget; metallic green above; females green above; spotted below

Habitat & Range

Geographic Range

Breeds in mountain meadows of western North America from British Columbia to Utah. Long-distance migrant wintering in Mexico.

Diet & Feeding

Smallest breeding bird in North America; feeds on mountain meadow nectar and supplements with small insects and spiders.

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: CP. Incubation: 15-16 days. Fledging: 18-21 days.

Clutch Size

2

Sound

Song

Rough, coarse chatter with energetic delivery; rapid series of harsh notes tumbling quickly in vigorous exchange.

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Genus Selasphorus
Species Selasphorus calliope

Distribution

Calliope Hummingbird has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Calliope Hummingbird eat?
Smallest breeding bird in North America; feeds on mountain meadow nectar and supplements with small insects and spiders.
Where does the Calliope Hummingbird live?
Breeds in mountain meadows of western North America from British Columbia to Utah. Long-distance migrant wintering in Mexico.
Is the Calliope Hummingbird endangered?
The Calliope Hummingbird has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Calliope Hummingbird nest?
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 15-16 days. Fledging: 18-21 days.
What does the Calliope Hummingbird sound like?
Rough, coarse chatter with energetic delivery; rapid series of harsh notes tumbling quickly in vigorous exchange.
How big is the Calliope Hummingbird?
The Calliope Hummingbird has a wingspan of 8.3 cm, weight of 2.7633333333333336 g.
What order and family does the Calliope Hummingbird belong to?
The Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Trochilidae.

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