Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

North America’s smallest bird has a very long migration. This bird flies from southern Mexico to as far north as British Columbia (Canada) to breed. There, it often seeks high elevations to nest.

Researchers are fascinated with this bird. It is remarkable how this smallest of all long-distance migrating birds can accomplish their long journeys. And with such a small size, that they overcome the rigors of the cool environments at their chosen breeding grounds.

Taxonomists regard the Calliope Hummingbird as monotypic (i.e. there are no recognised subspecies).

I would like to meet this species more often. But as of this writing, only in Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains have I seen them on their breeding grounds. And only in Arivaca (southern Arizona) have I met them during their migration.