Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Selasphorus calliope Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Calliope Hummingbird

This exquisite hummingbird, the tiniest bird of the United States and Canada, nests in meadows and open forests of the high Northwestern mountains, and winters in Mexico. This species has a circular migration route, in spring, when mountain blizzards are still likely, it flies along the Pacific coast. After breeding, the birds stay inland, following the mountains south.

The gorget is striking not only for the luscious magenta color but also for how the individual feathers are narrow and long, forming colorful streaks radiating out against a whitish background.

Laura has never photographed a Calliope Hummingbird. The accompanying photo, from Wikipedia, was taken by and is owned by Kati Fleming.

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