Costa's Hummingbird
Calypte costae
Tiny iridescent violet hummingbird with glittering gorget extending down chest. Desert specialist now expanding into Bay Area chaparral areas. Pollinates sage and currants; diving courtship display is spectacular.
Plants that support Costa's Hummingbird
11 plants
California Fuchsia
Epilobium canum
perennial herb
Desert and coastal populations utilize fall blooms for energy reserves
Chatterbox
Epipactis gigantea
perennial herb
breeding season resource in desert riparian habitats
Coast Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja affinis subsp. affinis + Diplacus aurantiacus
shrub
Critical early spring nectar source March-June in desert scrub habitat
Cottonwood
Populus fremontii subsp. fremontii
tree
Early spring breeder; utilizes cottonwood flowers as nectar source during limited bloom period
Hairy Ceanothus
Ceanothus oliganthus
shrub
Seasonal nectar resource during breeding season in arid regions
Nipomo Mesa Ceanothus
Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensis
shrub
Early spring nectar source during breeding season courtship displays
Palmer's Live-for-ever
Dudleya palmeri
perennial herb
Critical early spring energy source in desert scrub habitat
Scarlet Bugler
Penstemon centranthifolius
perennial herb
early spring breeding and courtship display season
Showy Penstemon
Penstemon spectabilis
perennial herb
Spring breeding season nectar resource in desert regions
Toyon
Heteromeles arbutifolia
tree
Year-round to seasonal resident depending on region, Jun-Jul nectar source
White bark California lilac
Ceanothus leucodermis
shrub
Early spring breeder in California deserts and chaparral; critical early-season nectar source