Hummingbirds, simply put are amazing birds! They are the smallest birds on earth, can hover, fly sideways even backwards. 339 species occur exclusively in the Western Hemisphere & are concentrated near the equator. Some species range from Alaska to the southern tip of Chile or from sea level to 15,000 feet high in the Andes. Most types are fairly sedentary but several others migrate great distances, over 2,100 miles in the case of the Rufous Hummingbird. One can’t talk about these mighty fairies without pointing out the wonder of their iridescent feathers & being cloaked in glittering light.

This garment depicts the 15 species that breed in the US and Canada.

Species depicted (clockwise from top): Calliope Hummingbird, Allen’s, Broad-billed, Broad-tailed, Magnificent, Blue-throated, Rufous, Buff-bellied, Anna’s, Ruby-throated, (clockwise center), White-eared, Lucifer, Costa’s, Black-chinned & Violet-crowned.