On Monday, as I was changing out my hummingbird nectar, this beautiful, purple-headed hummingbird flew up within 2 feet of me. I had never seen a hummingbird with such beautiful coloring. It is smaller than the common rufous hummingbird.
I checked in my Merlin Bird ID app and it said it was a Costa’s Hummingbird but said that it is rare in this area. I’m hoping someone can confirm whether or not this is actually a Costa’s Hummingbird.
I hope it sticks around and I can get some better photos of it.
Maralee
Through My Lens 
I don’t know about the ID but he sure is a beauty!
I’ve had a couple of people confirm that it is a Costa’s hummingbird. They’re pretty rare in this area – they’re mostly found in the southwestern US.
Cool! Neat to photograph something unexpected.
Stunning & beautiful!
Thank you very much. I was so excited to see this little beauty.
Lucky you on the visit of the Costa’s Hummingbird!
I was very excited to see it. I just happened to be changing out the nectar in the feeders and this one flew right up to me. It is smaller than the Rufous and Anna hummingbirds we normally get but has the most beautiful purple head. I hope I see it again.
what a beautiful colour! I wonder if the local birding club know about this being in the area? You should alert them.
I notified the local Audubon Society about it. I’m going to be keeping an eye out for it to see if it sticks around. I hope it does.
I assume it’s a male because of the hood?
It is a male. It’s prettier than the female 😄