Calliope Hummingbird vs Scintillant Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

Tiny3 gShrubland

The calliope is the smallest breeding bird found in Canada and the United States. 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 0.106 oz). Calliope hummingbirds have glossy green on the back and crown with white underparts. The adult male has wine-red streaks on the gorget, green flanks, and a dark tail. When an adult male is competing for territory or females, the dark red feathers of its gorget distend outwards to create a more distinct appearance.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Dario · CC0

Scintillant Hummingbird

Selasphorus scintilla

Tiny2 gUrban

It is only 6.5–8 cm (2.6–3.1 in) long, including the bill. The male weighs 2 g (0.071 oz) and the female 2.3 g (0.081 oz). This is one of the smallest birds in existence, marginally larger than the bee hummingbird. The black bill is short and straight. The adult male scintillant hummingbird has bronze-green upperparts and a rufous and black-striped tail. The throat is brilliant red, separated from the cinnamon underparts by a white neck band. The female is similar, but her throat is buff with small green spots and the flanks are richer rufous.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Len Blumin from Mill Valley, California, United States · CC BY 2.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Calliope Hummingbird and Scintillant Hummingbird.