ARTISTS AND BIRDS by Marilyn and Keith Davis "Desert Hummers"
Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbirds rely on several habitats threatened by development in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. When habitat destruction occurs, the residents of that habitat must find another that will sustain them. Costa’s Hummingbirds have moved into ‘Dixie’ to everyone’s surprise and pleasure. More and more people are seeing them year round and what a joy this is. So what do we know about this species? The Costa’s Hummingbird is believed to be the most arid-adapted hummingbird within North America. Costa’s is called a ‘desert hummer’. Hummingbirds are Carnivores and depend on insects to sustain them. Nectar is just a fuel to power their flycatching activities. ![]() It is not necessary to take the Hummingbird feeder down so they will know they should migrate. If you leave no food at your place they will move to another known neighborhood feeder until they are ready. Hummingbirds judge migration time by the amount and duration of available sunlight. They will leave once they have achieved the body weight to carry them though migration, and before the cold weather kills their insect food supply. These amazing Hummers are all around us, so watch for them. Costa’s Hummingbird males have greenish sides, whitish beasts, and deep, iridescent purple crowns and throats. Females lack any striking color. Marilyn Davis is the artist this week. If you have questions about birds or future activities of the Red Cliffs Audubon, call 435 673-0996 or visit our home page. Past "Artists & Birds" articles are listed in the table below. |