Adult
Description
Size: 3.25”
Plumage/Description: Our smallest hummingbird in North America. Males have an all green back, with mottled green flanks. The gorget (throat) area is streaked with a beautiful iridescent red color. The coloration pattern on the throat is unmistakable. Females are all green on the back, and buffy colored flanks. The throat is streaked with very fine flecks of color.
Habitat: Residential, Oak/Chaparral, Pinyon/Juniper, Riparian.
Time of year: Transient species, migrates through the Central Highlands area in the spring and fall each year.
Relative Abundance: Uncommon.
Behavior: Nectar and insect eater. Frequents hummingbird feeders. Like other hummingbird species has the ability to hover.
Diet: Nectar, sugar water, insects, spiders.
Similar species: Other hummingbird species that occur in this area (Anna’s, Black-chinned, Broad-billed, etc.)
Best Sites: In Residential neighborhoods at backyard hummingbird feeders.
