Which native flowering shrubs do Costa's Hummingbirds especially favor when in bloom within their arid territories?
Answer
Desert willow and globemallow
In their native desert settings, Costa's Hummingbirds actively defend feeding territories centered around reliable nectar sources. While they may utilize native flowering shrubs like brittlebush, specific plants appear to be especially favored when they are in bloom within their core arid ranges. These highly favored nectar sources include the desert willow and the globemallow plant. The availability of these specific resources is essential, alongside protein derived from snatching insects, for supporting their energy needs and successfully raising young within their specialized habitat.

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