About Calypte costae (Bourcier, 1839)
Species Naming and Size Overview
This species, Costa's hummingbird (scientific name Calypte costae), is small. Mature adults reach a total length of only 3–3.5 inches (7.6–8.9 cm), with a wingspan of 11 cm.
Weight
On average, males weigh 3.05 g, while females average 3.22 g.
Male Plumage General
Males have primarily green backs and flanks, small black tails and wings, and white patches below their gorgeted throat and tail.
Male Distinctive Markings
Their most distinctive feature is a bright purple cap and throat; the throat feathers flare out and backward behind the head.
Female Plumage
Females do not have the male's distinct markings; they have grayish-green upperparts and a white underbelly.
Habitat and Distribution
Costa's hummingbird is common in arid brushy deserts and gardens of the Southwestern United States and the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico.
