Across the sun-scorched deserts and flowering washes of the American Southwest and Baja California, this tiny iridescent marvel hovers like a shard of violet light. It feeds on nectar from desert blooms — chuparosa, ocotillo, and cactus flowers — supplementing with small insects for strength. What makes it extraordinary is the male’s radiant gorget, a flaring veil of amethyst that extends into pointed “moustaches,” flashing brilliantly with every turn toward the sun. In landscapes shaped by heat and scarcity, it pollinates resilient plants that anchor fragile desert life. A pulse of purple in the shimmering air, yet a steadfast guardian of blooming sands.
Costa’s Hummingbird 👇
#CostasHummingbird #DesertBirds #PollinatorGuardian
