Wildlife & Related

**Bailey Guns** · 08-08-2021, 21:34

Yeah... I axed the Google. Pretty cool little creature.

**Hummer** · 08-09-2021, 09:24

Here's a few more images from where we're still feeding more than 8000 hummingbirds daily. While southbound migrant Calliope Hummingbird numbers have been lower than expected this year east of the Continental Divide, we watched an immature male Calliope jockeying for a spot at the feeder.

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the U.S. and Canada, breeding in the mountains west from the Yellowstone area. They are like a miniature version of the Broad-tailed Hummingbird but about an inch shorter in total length and the adult males have a streaked magenta gorget. Calliopes generally weigh 2.1-3.2 grams compared to Broad-tailed at 3.4-4.5 grams. Calliopes are in the same genus as Broad-tailed, Rufous and Allen's, and they share characteristics.

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Compare this picture of the Broad-tailed on the left to the Calliope on the right. The Calliope has a very short bill and a very short tail that is shorter than the folded wings when it's perched. Notice that the Broad-tailed has a tail that extends beyond the folded wing.

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Calliopes also have a somewhat pot-bellied appearance. Check out this adult male.

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**Hummer** · 08-09-2021, 09:10

A few shots while enjoying Palisade Peach Margaritas last evening in the hummingbird meadow. An immature Broad-tailed Hummingbird is working the flowers and feeding from Rocky Mountain Penstemmon.