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DESCRIPTION |
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Adults have short tails and bills, bright
green backs and crown, and white or light buff under parts.
Male chin and throat has purple-red streaks on a white
background and a dark tail without white tips. Female
and immature birds have a white chin and throat with thin
dark streaking and a dark tail with a trace of rufus color
and white tips on outer tail feathers. Males reach a length
of 3.25 in. with a wing span 4.25 inches, and a weight
of 0.1 oz. Females are slightly smaller. |
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GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE & HABITAT |
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They range from southwest Canada through
the western mountainous U.S. during the summer. |
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FOOD HABITS & DIET |
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These hummingbirds make easier use of
small flowers than most because of their size. They eat
nectar, tree sap, insects and spiders. |
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SOCIAL STRUCTURE |
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These birds are not usually aggressive
in defending food or mate territories. Courtship and breeding
lasts only minutes. |
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REPRODUCTION |
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They breed from early May to early August.
Usually 2 eggs are laid, and 1 brood per season. Incubation
lasts 15-16 days. Young are altricial (dependent), and
fledge in 21-23 days. |
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NESTING |
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Females nest primarily in riparian streamside
vegetation and road/forest edges and perform all nesting
duties. Males leave the area while females incubate. |
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CONSERVATION |
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The species is not listed as endangered
or threatened, and is fairly common. Researchers band
the birds in order to track individuals and learn more
about the species. |
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INTERESTING FACTS |
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Calliope hummingbirds use the same nest
site each year, often repairing the old nest or building
a new nest on top of the old one. This is the smallest
bird north of Mexico. |
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