The U.S. range of the Costa's Hummingbird normally only includes the deserts of the Southwest. Unlike some other western hummingbird species, they are not known for often wandering widely from that range, and they are thus only extremely rare visitors to South Dakota. Males are generally distinctive, with very long, flared gorgets of a brilliant purple (see photo to the right). As with other hummingbird species in the West, they have adopted well to a human presence, with increased numbers and range due to year-round availability of nectar and flower sources in many urban areas.
Habitat
In normal range, typically found in desert habitats, primarily in low washes and streamsides where vegetation is thicker than in the upland desert. Also has adapted to living in urban settings.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar, especially from desert plants such as agave and ocotillo.
Behavior
Costa's Hummingbird is an active desert hummingbird that spends much of its time darting among flowering shrubs and aggressively defending feeding territories from other hummingbirds. Males are especially noted for their dramatic courtship dives and high-pitched display flights, during which they flash their brilliant purple throat and crown in the sunlight.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota. In their breeding range, Costa's Hummingbird nests in arid desert scrub, washes, and thorny shrublands of the Southwest. The female builds a tiny cup nest of plant fibers, down, and spider silk, usually tucked into a low bush or small tree and often shaded from intense sun. She lays 2 white eggs and alone incubates and raises the young, which fledge roughly three weeks after hatching.
Song
Has a thin tink call, and high chattery twittery chase calls.
Migration
Birds in the U.S. portion of their range are typically migratory, moving southward into Mexico in winter, although a few remain north of the border. Within the U.S., birds breeding in the desert typically breed in late winter or very early spring, and then move westward to coastal areas for the hottest weather of the summer.
Similar Species
Anna's Hummingbird , Black-chinned Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird. Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird differ mainly in size, shape, and male throat color. Costa’s is compact with a short tail and males show a vivid purple crown and long flaring purple gorget extending down the sides of the neck. Anna’s is larger and chunkier with a rose-pink head and throat that can glow brilliantly in sunlight. Black-chinned appears plainer and more slender, with males showing a black throat bordered below by a narrow violet band, while Calliope is the smallest of all, with a short tail and males having distinctive magenta throat streaks that project outward like tiny rays rather than forming a solid patch.
Conservation Status
Populations appear to be stable, with local fluctuations where desert habitat has been destroyed. The IUCN considers Costa's Hummingbird to be a species of "least concern".
Photo Information
November 11th, 2015 - Santa Rita Lodge, in Madera Canyon south of Tucson, Arizona
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access an interactive eBird species page for sightings of the Costa's Hummingbird
