Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)
Costa's Hummingbird
Calypte costae. Desert nectar and insects.
Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)Costa's HummingbirdCalypte costae
- Scientific name
- Calypte costae
- Length
- 3–3.5 in
- Weight
- 0.1 oz
- Nest
- Cup in desert shrubs or cacti
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2 eggs
- Incubation
- 15–18 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Male violet crown and long purple gorget 'mustache'
- Small with short tail
- Female grey-green with white underparts
Voice
High, thin whistle.
Diet and feeding
Desert nectar and insects.
What do Costa's hummingbirds eat? · Best feeder for Costa's hummingbirds
Costa's Hummingbirds by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | January–May |
| California | Year-round resident | January–May |
| Nevada | Summer breeder | February–May |
| New Mexico | Summer breeder | February–May |
| Utah | Summer breeder | February–May |
Frequently asked
What do Costa's hummingbirds eat?
Desert nectar and insects. At feeders: sugar water 1:4.
How big is a Costa's Hummingbird?
3–3.5 in long and 0.1 oz.
Do Costa's hummingbirds use birdhouses?
No. Cup in desert shrubs or cacti.
Sources
- Costa's Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Costa's Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Costa's Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.