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

An Unmistakable Bird With Huge Yellow And Orange Beak And Small Fleshy Spikes Above Eyes

Margot Nolan

Less Than 10 Left In The Wild, Red Wolf Is In Danger Of Extinction

Olivia

15+ Photogenic Pets Who Could Easily Outshine Any Professional Model

Carolyn Mullet

20+ Funny Pics Of The Pets Through “Hidden Camera”

Carolyn Mullet

20+ Cute Pics Of Baby Frogmouths That Will Steal Your Hearts

Carolyn Mullet

Rescue Horse Forms Special Friendship With Blind Dog

Carolyn Mullet

Owl and Duckling Stay Together In A Nesting Box, Captured By A Wildlife Artist

Carolyn Mullet

Incredibly Rare Baby Albino Elephant Filmed On Camera In South African Wildlife Park

Margot Nolan

10+ Dog Reactions That You Will Burst Out Laughing

Carolyn Mullet

Newborn Baby Panda Gets Reunited With Mom After A Month Of Separation

Olivia

20 Photos That Show The Unconditional Love Between Pets And Their Owners

Carolyn Mullet

10+ Pets Who Are Good At Making Your Days More Cheerful

Carolyn Mullet