calliope
1. Bird Name
English Name: Calliope hummingbird
Scientific (Latin) Name: Selasphorus calliope
2. Appearance
The Calliope hummingbird is a petite creature with a delicate, unique charm. Sporting a slender body, the Calliope embodies shimmering green colors on its back and crown. The underside is a contrast of clean, bright white. The male is emblazoned with a striking gorget characterized by streaks of iridescent purple and magenta rays, depending on how light hits it, adding an assertive pop of color against its white underparts. Females and juveniles bear a more muted attire, featuring dappled green and white feathers.
3. Size
The Calliope hummingbird is the smallest long-distance migrant bird in the world. The average adult measures a mere 7–10 centimeters (about 3-4 inches) in length. A reasonably lightweight bird, adults tend to weigh between 2-3 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
These birds have a broad geographic range spanning across North America. During summertime, they favor the mountains of the Northwestern United States and Canada. As winter approaches, they migrate to southern Mexico and some parts of southwestern United States. They typically prefer alpine meadows, mountain forests, and riparian zones.
5. Interesting Facts
Some captivating aspects about the Calliope hummingbird include their extraordinary migration habits, where they travel up to 9000 kilometers from Canada and Alaska to winter in Mexico. Surprisingly for a bird of its size, the calliope can fly straight for long durations. Also, despite its miniature size, the Calliope hummingbird is known for fearless defense of its territory. It’s been known to chase off larger intruding birds.
6. Diet
Calliope hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar from flowers and flowering trees, using their long, extendable tongues to extract the sweet nectar. They also catch insects on the fly or pluck them from spider webs.
7. Behavior & Sounds
A distinctive behavior of Calliope males during mating displays is their U-shaped dive, where they fly vertically up to 15 meters and then swoop down, creating a metallic trill with tail feathers. Their call performs as a “chip” sound, which is clear, sharp, and short.
8. Conservation Status
The population of Calliope hummingbirds is relatively stable and has been classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
9. Lifespan
On average, Calliope hummingbirds in the wild have been known to live up to 12 years. Information on their lifespan in captivity is not well-documented due to their wild-natured existence.
10. Additional Notes
In Native American culture, hummingbirds symbolize healing, good luck, and joy. They are also vital pollinators, contributing to the health of ecosystems that they inhabit. Interactions with humans are often pleasant and centered around birdwatching and the hanging of bird feeders. It’s always a thrilling moment when these jewel-colored flyers decide to make an appearance!
