Calliope Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope
Silhouette: Ferran Sayol · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderApodiformes (Swifts and Hummingbirds)
- FamilyTrochilidae (Hummingbirds)
- GenusSelasphorus (Rufous, Allen's, and Allied Hummingbirds)
- SpeciesSelasphorus calliope (Calliope Hummingbird)
About the Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird ( kə-LY-ə-pee; Selasphorus calliope) is the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. It has a western breeding range mainly from California to British Columbia, and migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America for its wintering grounds. The calliope hummingbird is the smallest known long-distance bird migrant, completing migrations twice per year of some 9,000 km (5,600 mi).
It was previously considered the only member of the genus Stellula (meaning little star), but research evidence suggests its existing placement in the genus Selasphorus. The bird was named after the Greek muse Calliope. The calliope is the smallest breeding bird found in Canada and the United States. An adult calliope hummingbird can measure 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in) in length, span 11 cm (4.3 in) across the wings and weigh 2 to 3 g (0.071 to 0.106 oz).
Calliope hummingbirds have glossy green on the back and crown with white underparts. The adult male has wine-red streaks on the gorget, green flanks, and a dark tail. When an adult male is competing for territory or females, the dark red feathers of its gorget distend outwards to create... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Calliope Hummingbird in Shenandoah National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Shenandoah National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shenandoah National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Yosemite National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Saguaro National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 4 | Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Calliope Hummingbird in Shenandoah National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Calliope Hummingbird sighting in Shenandoah National Park, based on 5 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Calliope Hummingbird in Shenandoah National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Calliope Hummingbird in Shenandoah National Park in our monthly data.