Calliope hummingbird Stellula calliope


Identification Tips:

Adult male:

Female/Immature:

Similar species:

The smallest North American hummingbird, females are best separated by their short tail and small size. The rufous wash on the flanks should safely separate females and immatures from all species except the three Selasphorus hummingbirds, which all typically have more rufous in the tail. The streaked gorget of adult males should make them instantly identifiable. Calliope is the only species where the tail does not extend past the wings when at rest.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.