Spring is the time to nest for the Costa’s hummingbirds, before the desert gets too hot. Both males and females are looking for a partner, but it’s up to him to impress her. Though his back shimmers with green, it’s not until we get her point of view that we see his true splendor. He flexes the iridescent feathers of his mantle until they become a glowing mask of violet.
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TRANSCRIPT
Spring is the time to nest, before the desert gets too hot.
Both birds are looking for a partner.
But the choice of mate will be hers.
It's up to him to impress her.
He moves in close, hovering directly in front of her, rocking his entire body back and forth in a display of flying prowess.
Though his back shimmers with green, it's not until we get her point of view that we see his true splendor.
He flexes the iridescent feathers of his mantle until they become a glowing mask of violet.
Facing into the blazing sun, he swoops back and forth, his face a fiery flower before her.
How can she possible resist him?
And yet, she does... leaving him to return to his perch.
Perfecting his performance is going to take some practice.
