Calliope

Common name: Calliope Hummingbird
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
Clades: Mellisugini - Bees

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)

The Calliope Hummingbird is known as the smallest breeder in North America and possesses a truly remarkable stature. Its petite frame, with a body mass merely half of that of the continent's smallest passerine, the Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), or a third of the smallest wood warbler (Parulinae), is a testament to its extraordinary nature.

Despite its diminutive size, the Calliope Hummingbird earns its prestigious moniker, derived from the muse of epic poetry. The bird's dazzling magenta rays emanating from its unique and beautiful gorget aptly justify its symbolic association with epic grandeur. Known as Stellula, or "little star," this name befits the celestial presence exuded by this remarkable creature.

In its minuscule form, the Calliope Hummingbird embodies a combination of elegance and resilience, carving a place for itself as a symbol of natural marvel in the vast tapestry of North America's wildlife.

Distribution in Mexico, the United States and Canada