Species · GBIF taxon 2476675
Costa's Hummingbird
Calypte costaeCosta's Hummingbirds are desert specialists easily recognized by the male's brilliant amethyst-purple crown and long, flared gorget feathers that resemble a mustache. To survive freezing desert nights, these tiny birds can enter torpor, temporarily lowering their body temperature and slowing their heart rate to conserve energy. During courtship, males perform spectacular, high-speed U-shaped dives while producing a piercing, high-pitched whistle to impress females.
Desert-adaptedNectar-feederMigratory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Gnats
- Small spiders
Predators
- Hawks
- Kestrels
- Praying mantises
ThreatsHabitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use
HabitatsChaparral, desert scrub, deciduous forests, and suburban gardens
Life spanUp to 9 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTrochilidae
- SpeciesCalypte costae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Plant Native Flora: Grow desert lavender, chuparosa, and penstemon to attract them naturally.
- Maintain Feeders: Keep sugar-water feeders clean and filled with a four-to-one water-to-sugar ratio.
- Listen Closely: Listen for the male's incredibly high-pitched, piercing whistle during courtship dives.
Competitor Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Migrant Companion VJAnderson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Robert McMorran, United States Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain · cc0
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