About Calypte costae (Bourcier, 1839)
This species, Costa's hummingbird (scientific name Calypte costae), is small. Mature adults reach a total length of only 3–3.5 inches (7.6–8.9 cm), with a wingspan of 11 cm. On average, males weigh 3.05 g, while females average 3.22 g. Males have primarily green backs and flanks, small black tails and wings, and white patches below their gorgeted throat and tail. Their most distinctive feature is a bright purple cap and throat; the throat feathers flare out and backward behind the head. Females do not have the male's distinct markings; they have grayish-green upperparts and a white underbelly. Costa's hummingbird is common in arid brushy deserts and gardens of the Southwestern United States and the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico.
