CLIPBOARD : COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD

(Calypte costae)

Description: Males have distinguishable amethyst throat and crown extending down sides of neck. Female markings are similar to black-chinned hummingbird, but upper feathers are gray and lower body is predominately white. Length: 3 3/4 inches.

Habitat: Dry chaparral, arid brushy foothills, sage scrub and desert.

Diet: Flower nectar, tree sap and spiders; often soars from one flower clump to another.

Displays: During courtship, males fly in U-shaped pattern, climbing to 100 feet, passing over female then diving while vocally producing a continuous shrill whistle or shriek.

Nest: Prefers to build nest in yucca; constructed loosely of plant down, broad-leafed plants, bound with spider’s silk.

Eggs: White, unmarked; one-half inch.

Call: Female’s call is a series of high-pitched, metallic tink sounds; male’s call is a loud zing.

Breeding bird atlas: To report bird breeding activity in your neighborhood, or to get information on the breeding bird atlas, call Sea and Sage Audubon Society members Sylvia Gallagher, (714) 962-8990, or Nancy Kenyon, (714) 786-3160.

Note: Map is divided into 5-kilometer squares so that Audubon Society volunteers can more easily survey areas on a regular basis.

Sources: Sea and Sage Audubon Society; “The Birder’s Handbook,” Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, Fireside Books (1988); “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” National Geographic Society (1987); “Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution,” Garrett and Dunn, Los Angeles Audubon Society (1981).