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The Calliope prefers high mountains, and has been seen as high
as 11,000 feet. It builds its nests over creeks or over roads next
to streams or lakes, usually repairing the previous year's nest
or constructing a new one atop the old. This bird usually forages
within five feet of the ground.
Physical Description
Average weight: male 2.5 g, female 2.83 g. Female birds are larger
than males.
Plumage
Adult male: Metallic green back and crown, white gorget with purple
rays that may be erected to show a "whiskered" effect.
Adult female: Green back and crown, white throat with dark streaks,
buff sides, white-tipped tail corners.
Distribution
Observed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington,
Wyoming, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Winters in
west-central Mexico.
For maps showing population distribution and trends, see the National
Biological Service's North American Breeding Bird Survey species
account.
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