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.

        Costa’s Hummingbirds are generally solitary birds, but polygamous birds. The only interaction between male and female is the actual mating. The courtship involves high pitched whistling while doing an amazing show of swoops and arcing dives to attract females. Once this has been accomplished by the male it’s off to attract another female. The female is left to care for the two eggs and make sure that when the babies are born they have food till they fledge. Adult Hummers, once they have gained enough weight for migration, abandon their young and head for better habitat. This is not as dastardly as it sounds. When the babies eat enough and get fat enough to migrate, they will find their own migration route. Evidently baby hummingbirds are born with a map in their brain that tells them what direction they need to go to escape the cold winters. When desert temperatures plummet, Hummers will enter a state of torpor to conserve energy until morning.

        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.