Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

DESCRIPTION: L=3.5" (9cm). Males and females green above. Males have iridescent violet crown and chin/throat (gorget) that extend backward like whiskers. Female Costa's are whiter below than Black-chinned females, but often difficult to distinguish females. Male's call is a distinctive, loud, repeated "zing zing zing".
NATURAL HISTORY: Feed on nectar, insects, and spiders. Male courts female by flying about 100' above the female, then descending quickly with a shrill whistle before ascending again (flight path follows a U shape). Nests made of plant material bound together and attached to twig with spider web silk. See Hummingbird Natural History for more.