We Love Animals
Animals Nature

Named After The Duchess Of Rivoli, Anna’s Hummingbird Is An Iridescent Jewel You Can Hardly Forget

There are thousands of beautiful species of birds in this world but the iridescent ones always stand out among them all. No matter the colors, these shimmering birds are fascinating critters that shine wherever, whenever they appear.

Image credits: Brocken Inaglory / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) is one of those appealing birdies. This species is not so big just like other members of the family Trochilidae, it is only 3.9 to 4.3 in long with a wingspan of 4.7 in and weighs about 3 to 6 g. The female is often smaller and lighter than the male.

Image credits: Mfield / CC BY-SA 3.0

Both male and female Anna’s hummingbird look gorgeous with green flanks, bronze-green back as well as pale grey chest and belly, but the male is more eye-catching thanks to its impressive iridescent crimson-red head and throat.

Image credits: Becky Matsubara / CC BY 2.0

Like many other hummingbirds, they have a long, slender bill and slightly forked tail.

Image credits: ALAN SCHMIERER / Public domain

Despite being named after France’s Duchess of Rivoli Anna Masséna by the French naturalist and ornithologist René Lesson, the Anna’s hummingbird is actually native to North America. It is mostly found in western coastal regions and it’s also the only hummingbird in this area that has a red crown.

Image credits: Norvig / CC BY-SA 3.0

This charming bird mainly dines on flower nectar using its long extendable tongue, but it doesn’t mind hunting small insects and other arthropods once in a while too.

Image credits: Mike Lafferty / CC BY 2.0

The Anna’s hummingbird’s breeding season starts in December and often ends in May – June next year. During courtship, the male often sings a thin and squeaky song.

Image credits: Instagram/@thejtphotograph

Here is a lovely melody sang by this bird in case you’re curious:

After mating, the female builds a nest from plant fibers, downy feathers, animal hair and covers it with lichen plant debris. Their eggs are incubated about 14 days before officially hatching.

Image credits: Basar / CC BY-SA 4.0

Thankfully, the population of this endearing bird species appears to be quite stable at this moment. There are an estimated 1.5 million Anna’s hummingbirds living in nature and it’s not under any immediate threat.

H/T: One Big Birdcage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related posts

20 Photos Of Animals With And Without Their Iconic Patterns

Carolyn Mullet

Four Little Kittens Found Their Own Families After Being Rescued From The Street

Susanna

Purple-Crowned Fairywren, A Stunning Little Chubby Bird That Is Worth Your Attention

Margot Nolan

10+ Poor Animals That Were Totally Transformed By Love And Care

Carolyn Mullet

The Glistening-Green Tanager Is So Bright It Looks Like It Could Glow In The Dark

Carolyn Mullet

People Are Loving This Video Of A Bunny Chomping A Snowman’s Carrot Nose

Carolyn Mullet

25 Animals Who Show Us The True Definition Of Sound Sleep

Carolyn Mullet

20+ Pets Who Just Don’t Want To Leave Their Humans For A Minute

Carolyn Mullet

25 Times That Mother Nature Favors Animals

Carolyn Mullet

Abandoned Baby Chimp Finds Cuddles In An Adult Monkey, Joining Her Family

Margot Nolan

Baby Koala Refuses To Leave His Mom For A Second During Her Life-Saving Surgery

Margot Nolan

17 Times Scary Animals Have Shown Themselves To Be Very Sweet

Carolyn Mullet