This stocky hummingbird is a year-round resident along the West Coast. The bill is short and straight, and fairly stout. Male: Bronzy-green upperparts, gray-green below. The gorget and entire crown are rose-red to hot pink. In certain light, entire head may appear dark with light eye-ring. The tail is dark and extends well beyond the wingtips at rest. Female: Golden-green above, dull gray below. Typically has area of rose-red feathers on the throat, and an indistinct white line over the eye. Tail feathers are broad and rounded, with gray-green bases, a black band, and white tips on the outer three sets. At rest, the tail extends to or just beyond the wingtips. Juvenile females have unmarked whitish throats and are paler below than adults. Recently-fledged birds are shorter-billed and have shorter wings and tails leading to confusion with female Costa's Hummingbirds. Juvenile males have red feathers scattered throughout the throat and crown.

Length: 9 (cm) Wingspan: 12 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a long series of squeaks and gurgles. Imagine a mouse being strangled. A loud explosive chewp occurs at the end of the male's display dive, caused by the bird fanning his tail as he pulls out of the dive.

Habitat:

Chaparral, coastal scrub, riparian woodlands, residential areas.

Behavior:

Male's display is a steep angled dive, with a flat "J" hook at the bottom, often repeated. Well-known for hybridizing with several other species.

Feeding:

Feeds on floral nectar and small insects.