Description 3-3 1/2" (8-9 cm). A very small hummingbird. Male has iridescent green crown and back; rufous rump and tail. Bright, iridescent copper-red gorget (appears dark when not in direct sunlight), white breast, rufous sides. Female bronze-green above, including central tail feathers, with white-tipped rufous outer tail feathers, flecked throat, white underparts with rust tinge on flanks. See Rufous Hummingbird.

Voice A low chup, and an excited zeeee chuppity-chup.

Habitat Coastal chaparral, brushland, and edges of redwood forests.

Nesting 2 white eggs in a tiny, tightly woven cup placed on a sheltered branch.

Range Breeds along coast from southern Oregon to southern California. Resident in southern California. Also winters in Mexico.

Discussion This coastal hummingbird often nests in loose colonies and is quite aggressive in defending its nesting territory from other hummers. Territorial battles are most common in early morning, when intruders are more likely to appear. At this time of day, the birds tend to feed around the edges of their territories.