Anna's Hummingbird

hummingbirds · north america · iridescent

Shimmering red head. Male Anna's hummingbirds have brilliant iridescent red heads and throats that flash like rubies in the sunlight. This dazzling color helps them attract mates and show off to other males.

Tiny but mighty. These hummingbirds are only about 4 inches long, making them one of the largest hummingbird species in North America. Despite their small size, they are bold and aggressive, often chasing away much larger birds from feeders.

Dive-bombing displays. Male Anna's hummingbirds perform dramatic dives from high in the air, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. At the bottom of the dive, their tail feathers make a loud chirping sound that's part of their mating display.

Nectar-powered energy. Anna's hummingbirds must visit hundreds of flowers each day to fuel their super-fast metabolism. Their hearts can beat over 250 times per minute while flying.

Desert dwellers. These hummingbirds live in the dry scrublands and deserts of California, Arizona, and Mexico, where they've adapted to find flowers and food in hot, arid environments.