Where does the Costa's Hummingbird live?
Calypte costae
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Open the appThe Costa's Hummingbird lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Deserts, arid scrublands, chaparral, dry washes, and canyons.
Geographic range
Primarily found in the southwestern United States (southern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona, southwestern Utah) and Baja California, Mexico. Some populations extend into central Arizona and southern New Mexico.
Preferred environments
Arid and semi-arid habitats with sparse vegetation, including cacti, agave, ocotillo, and other desert flowering plants. They also frequent suburban gardens with appropriate nectar sources.
Elevation range
Sea level up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), occasionally higher.
Where to look
Desert Botanical Gardens
These gardens often cultivate native desert plants that attract Costa's Hummingbirds, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
Arid Scrublands and Chaparral
Explore natural desert habitats, especially areas with flowering cacti, ocotillo, and chuparosa.
Suburban Gardens
Gardens in their range that feature native desert plants or hummingbird feeders are frequently visited.
Canyons and Washes
Dry washes and canyons in desert regions can provide shelter and food sources.
Field tips
- Look for Movement. Hummingbirds are constantly moving. Scan flowering plants and feeders for their rapid, darting flight.
- Listen for Sounds. The male's song and the buzzing of their wings can often alert you to their presence before you see them.
- Use Binoculars. Their small size and quick movements make binoculars essential for detailed observation and identification.
- Visit During Peak Bloom. Timing your visit to desert areas during the peak flowering season will increase your chances of seeing them.
- Set up Feeders. If you live within their range, installing a hummingbird feeder with a 4:1 sugar-to-water solution can attract them to your yard.
Migration
Some populations are resident year-round, particularly in southern California and Baja California. Northern and higher-elevation populations are migratory, moving south to warmer areas for winter, often into Mexico. Migration timing is often tied to the blooming of desert flowers.
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