Hummingbird Central



Costa's Hummingbird

Common Name
Costa's Hummingbird
Scientific Name
Calypte costae
Length
3 1/2"

Range

Common in desert washes and dry chaparral of the Southwestern U.S. Breeding grounds include the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of California and Arizona. During hot summer days, it moves to chaparral, scrub, or woodland habitat. Considered extremely rare in Texas.

The hummingbird is named after French nobleman Louis Marie Pantaleon Costa, Marquis de Beauregard.

Characteristics and Identification

Male has a deep violet head and gorget extending far down the sides of the neck. Female has white throat and underparts, sometimes with some violet feathers.

The Costa's has some similarities in coloration with the Lucifer and Black-chinned hummingbirds (see comparison photo below).

Comparison of the Costa's, Lucifer and Black-chinned hummingbirds

Map of the Range of Costa's Hummingbird

The map below shows the approximate range of the Costa's Hummingbird. Actual breeding areas vary by year depending on weather-related conditions and other environmental factors.

Map showing the approximate range of the Costa's Hummingbird in the United States

Costa's Hummingbird in Southern California
Costa's Hummingbird in Southern California
Source: Marilyn Meadows Photography - Facebook | Website | Fine Art America

Costa's Hummingbird, North Phoenix, Arizona, winter of 2019
Costa's Hummingbird, North Phoenix, Arizona, winter of 2019
Source: Lynne Morck Photography


 

Costa's Hummingbird at feeder
Costa's Hummingbird


Costa's Hummingbird in flight
Costa's Hummingbird