The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird found in the United States, weighing only one-tenth of one ounce, and only reaching 3 inches in length. Despite their small size and delicate appearance, they breed in the relatively cold and harsh higher elevations of the western United States and Canada, and migrate all the way to southern Mexico for the winter.
Habitat
In its summer breeding habitat, they are found at high elevations in the western mountains of the U.S. and Mexico. They prefer shrubby areas, often near a water source. They commonly use clear-cut forest areas that have experienced some shrubby second-growth. They can be found in nearly any kind of habitat during migration.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar. Also will feed on tiny insects, and will drink sap from holes created by sapsuckers.
Behavior
Unobtrusive and less aggressive than larger hummingbirds, often feeding low in the flowers and away from more aggressive competitors.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song
Generally silent, but with occasional high tsip, sometimes repeated.
Migration
Summers in the mountains of the western United States and Canada. Winters in southern Mexico.
Similar Species
Rufous Hummingbird , Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Conservation Status
Generally stable throughout it's normal range.
Feeders
Will attend feeders for sugar water.
Photo Information
Red Rocks State Park near Sedona, Arizona - September 7th, 2006 - Terry Sohl
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