Calliope - Beautiful Voice

Male Calliope Hummingbird

Female Calliope Hummingbird

The Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is a very small hummingbird native to the United States and Canada and, during winter, Central America. It was previously considered the only member of the genus Stellula, however recent evidence suggests placement in the genus Selasphorus. This bird was named after the Greek muse Calliope. The genus name means "little star".

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird found in Canada and the United States. The only smaller species ever found in the U.S. is the Bumblebee Hummingbird, an accidental vagrant from Mexico. An adult Calliope Hummingbird can measure 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in) in length, span 11 cm (4.3 in) across the wings and weigh 2 to 3 g (0.071 to 0.11 oz). These birds have glossy green on the back and crown with white underparts. Their bill and tail are relatively short. The adult male has wine-red streaks on the throat, green flanks and a dark tail. Females and immatures have a pinkish wash on the flanks, dark streaks on the throat and a dark tail with white tips. The only similar birds are the Rufous Hummingbird and the Allen's Hummingbird, but these birds are larger with more distinct and contrasting rufous markings on tail and flanks, and longer central tail feathers.

Calliope Hummingbird is migratory bird, generally leaving their breeding grounds earlier than most birds to take advantage of the late-summer wildflowers in the mountains of western North America. They are believed to be the smallest-bodied long distance migrant in the world. Despite its unique characteristics in the avian world, Calliope Hummingbird has not been well studied, leaving much of its life history unknown.