Stellula calliope
The male Calliope Hummingbird's sparkling rose-purple throat rays are unmistakable. As they flit about in the montane, their dainty colors complement the vivid complexion of the landscape. The Calliope is the smallest North American hummingbird and the smallest long-distance migrant in the bird world, traveling up to 5500 mi. (8900 km) in a year. Contrary to some popular myths, hummingbirds never hitch-hike on the backs of geese or eagles. Hummingbirds and swifts belong to the order Apodiformes, which means 'without legs,' an allusion to the very small legs of these birds. Novice birdwatchers often ponder the pronunciation of this bird's name. It is generally accepted as 'ca-lie-o-pee,' but variations are plentiful (and often amusing). |
I.D.: General: iridescent green upperparts; long, narrow bill; short tail. Male: light purple streaks running down the throat from the bill; white underparts; light green flanks. Female: white underparts; peach-colored flanks; dark green spots on the throat. Size: L 31/4 in. (8 cm). Range: common migrant and summer breeder in the greater Yellowstone area; uncommon breeder in the Canadian and northern U.S. Rockies; uncommon fall migrant in the Colorado Rockies. Habitat: disturbed areas; avalanche slopes, burns and shrubby meadows in the montane and the subalpine. Nesting: tiny cup nest of plant down, moss, scales and spider webs is saddled on a branch under an overhanging branch or foliage; often builds over previously used nests; female incubates 2 eggs for up to 16 days. Feeding: probes flowers for nectar while hovering; also eats small insects. Voice: high-pitched chattering tsew note. Similar Species: Rufous Hummingbird: longer tail and bill; female often has red spotting on the throat. Broad-tailed Hummingbird: longer tail and bill; female shows rufous in the tail. |
