Jewels of the Desert

Learn about this tiny yet dramatic Southwest native, the Costa’s hummingbird

BY AMY GRISAK

Measuring only 3½ inches long, the Costa’s hummingbird is a pint-sized delight in its arid habitats. Partly residing in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts in March and April, Costa’s thrive in the heat, says Christopher Clark, assistant professor of biology at the University of California, Riverside. However, they wander toward the sagebrush scrub communities of coastal California to escape the most intense heat beginning in May. Small but Vibrant The male has a hunched appearance with a stubby tail, and is easily identified by its green back and iridescent purple on its head and around its throat. The female looks similar, but without the purple feathers. Putting on a Show Christopher says the Costa’s unique breeding ritual involves a male flying directly in front of a female, flaring his purple feathers and creating the appearance…

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Birds & Blooms (Digital) - 1 Issue, February/March 2024

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