The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird commonly found in North America , and one of the smallest birds in the world. Measuring a little more than three inches in length, the Calliope Hummingbird weighs about one-tenth of one ounce. It would take 160 individual Calliope’s to total one pound! The Male is mostly green above and white below with iridescent red streaks through the gorget (throat). The female is similar but lacks the red throat streaks. Like most hummingbirds, the Calliope is extremely territorial and will chase away much larger birds.

Diet: Like most hummingbirds, The Calliope Hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers, small insects, and tree sap. Calliopes will also visit feeders.

Range: The Calliope Hummingbird breeds locally in parts of eastern British Colombia , western Alberta , Washington , Oregon , Idaho , western Montana , northwestern Wyoming , northern California and northern Nevada . The bird can be found throughout the west in migration and winters in central Mexico .

Habitat: The Calliope Hummingbird breeds in mixed forests, coniferous forests, brushlands, often at high altitudes. During migration, the Calliope can be found in a wide range of different habitats including desert and chaparral.

Nesting: The Female lays two white eggs in an open-cup nest. Nests are typically built from two to 65 feet above the ground in a conifer. Males take no part in caring for the young. Females incubate the eggs for two weeks and care for the young for between two and three weeks.