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Calypte costae
This male Costa's Hummingbird has an iridescent purple crown and gorget, and green breast and back, as pictured. It has white areas above and around the gorget, which helps distinguish it from other species, along with the purple gorget.
I have heard of Costa Hummingbirds in southern Nevada, in areas as far north as 250 miles above the southern tip. This is the first I have spotted in the Las Vegas area. This one lives in an area adjacent to a golf course with lawns, gardens and pine trees. Based upon various references, Costas are at home in desert scrub in both the Sonoran and Mojave deserts…but why spend your time searching out chuparosa and ocotillo blooms in the desert, when it is much easier to spend time at the garden feeder?
This bird is very aggressive, having driven other hummers from the feeder. It is breeding season, and in the first photo above this male Costas is showing his colors trying to impress an otherwise disinterested female. He has some work to do...
Spotted on Mar 8, 2018
Submitted on Mar 8, 2018
18 Comments
Thanks, April, much appreciated.
Spectacular photo #1 shot. The colors are so brilliant. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Robert...I always enjoy hearing from you, as then I am getting a comment from one of the best!
Beautiful images of this stunning little bird Jim.
I appreciate it, Antonio.
Beautiful "portrait" Jim,congrats on the well deserved SOTD and thanks for sharing
Thanks, Daniele!
Congratulations Jim, your Costa's Hummingbird is our Spotting of the Day:
"We've got more beautiful iridescence for you today with this vibrant male Costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae) as our Spotting of the Day. One of the most striking features for this bird is a purple gorget with feathers flaring out and back behind the head. Although they can be found in some other species, gorgets are typically found in male North American hummingbirds. A number of social functions have been suggested for gorgets, including mate attraction".
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Thanks Christine.
You're welcome Jim. Glad you've joined the mission.
Stunning shots and fabulous notes!
Thanks, JaniekevanDijk!
Thanks, Daniele! I have been away too long.
wow, awesome colors (and pictures of course)!
Your welcome, Jim Nelson....
Beautiful shots and great information about habitat, distribution and behavior Jim! Nice to see you back. Please join our new Best Wildlife mission for your 2018 spottings:
http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/2165...
Thanks Maplemoth...this bird is not afraid to show off.
Three, very beautiful, colorful photos....photo no. 1: is a very beautiful, portrait photo, with very beautiful colors....