Details
Calypte anna
Anna's hummingbird is a small hummingbird of western North America. Males are known for a metallic rose-red head and throat and for dramatic diving displays.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses coastal scrub, edges, gardens, parks, and flower-rich urban areas. Where winter flowers or feeders are available, some birds remain year-round.
Length is 9-11 cm and weight 3-6 g. Males have an iridescent rose-red head and throat, while females are green above and pale below; the bill is long, thin, and straight.
Diurnal and largely solitary, it defends flowers and feeding territories. Males climb high, then dive steeply, producing a sharp sound with the tail feathers.
A nectarivore, it drinks with a long tongue through a slender bill. Small insects and spiders are also taken as protein-rich food.
The female builds a tiny cup nest from plant down and spider silk. She incubates and raises the young, feeding them nectar and small insects.
It is listed as Least Concern. Flower gardens and feeders have helped it adapt well to suburban and urban habitats.
