Texas Hummingbird Roundup:
Calliope (Stellula calliope)

Calliope Hummingbird
(Stellula calliope)
Artwork © 2005 TPWD

This smallest of North American birds is tiny with a short tail and short bill. They are found in Texas primarily during migration, but can spend the winter in some cases. During migration they are found in both mountain and lowland habitats while wintering birds are generally found in lowlands and forests. It has been recorded in every region except south Texas.

Identifying Features:

• Think SMALL – short bill, short tail

Identifying Features (Male):

• Short, square tail
• Streaked rosy gorget
• White line from gape to neck

Identifying Features (Female):

• Short, square tail with little or no rufous
• Thin white line over gape
• Short, thin bill
• Uniform pale buffy belly
• Wingtips project just beyond the tip of tail