General

Costa's Hummingbird: Medium-sized hummingbird with green back. Male has pale gray underparts and dull green flanks and belly; a brilliant metallic purple crown and throat patch, creating a hooded effect; tail is green with black outer tail feathers. Female and juvenile have white throat and underparts; tail is green with white-tipped outer tail feathers. Feeds on nectar, spiders, sap, and insects; common feeder visitor. Direct and hovering flight with very rapid wingbeats.

Range and Habitat

Costa's Hummingbird: This species breeds in southwestern North America from central California, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah southward into Baja California and coastal Mexico. It spends winters in southern California and Mexico. They prefer arid habitats supporting Joshua trees and cholla cacti.

Breeding and Nesting

Costa's Hummingbird: Two white eggs are laid in a delicately woven cup with leaves or lichens fastened to the outside, built low on a protected branch of a bush or small tree. Incubation ranges from 15 to 18 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Costa's Hummingbird: Feeds mainly on nectar, but supplements diet with insects; forages while hovering.

Readily Eats

Sugar Water

Vocalization

Costa's Hummingbird: Call is a combination of a pale "chip" and high tinkling notes.

Similar Species

Costa's Hummingbird: Black-chinned Hummingbird has purple gorget, but lacks purple crown and forehead. Male Lucifer Hummingbird has strongly decurved bill, green crown, and deeply forked tail; female strongly buff below. Anna's female and immature larger with darker throat and duller underparts.