Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is in the Hummingbirds family (Trochilidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,714 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in August.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Calliope Hummingbird: observations by month (U.S.)
About Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is a very small hummingbird native to the United States and Canada and, during winter, Central America. It was previously considered the only member of the genus Stellula, but recent evidence suggests placement in the genus Selasphorus. This bird was named after the Greek muse Calliope. The former genus name means "little star".From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Calliope Hummingbird by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 654 | April | Apr–Jun |
| Washington | 510 | May | May–Jun |
| Arizona | 353 | August | Aug–Sep |
| Idaho | 346 | June | May–Aug |
| New Mexico | 328 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Montana | 313 | May | May–Aug |
| Colorado | 296 | August | Jul–Aug |
| Texas | 282 | August | Aug–Sep |
| Oregon | 198 | June | Apr–Jun |
| Wyoming | 113 | June | May–Aug |
| Utah | 65 | August | Aug–Sep |
| Louisiana | 44 | January | Dec–Jan |
| Florida | 40 | January | Dec–Jan |
| Nevada | 36 | May | May–Jun |
| Maryland | 21 | November | Nov–Dec |
| Nebraska | 17 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Ohio | 11 | November | Nov–Nov |
| New York | 9 | November | Nov–Nov |
| Georgia | 8 | January | Nov–Mar |
| North Carolina | 8 | January | Dec–Jan |
| Oklahoma | 8 | August | Aug–Sep |
| Virginia | 8 | November | Oct–Nov |
| Pennsylvania | 7 | October | Oct–Dec |
| Tennessee | 7 | December | Dec–Dec |
| Alabama | 6 | March | Jan–Mar |
| South Dakota | 6 | August | Aug–Aug |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Hummingbirds)
Anna's Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Allen's Hummingbird
Costa's Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Calliope Hummingbird?
Nationally, August has the most observations, with the main season from April to September.
Where is Calliope Hummingbird most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington, Arizona.