Lucifer Hummingbird
NameLucifer Hummingbird
Common NameLucifer Hummingbird
Scientific NameCalothorax lucifer
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)3.5
Plumage DetailsMales feature a striking iridescent magenta gorget, a dark crown, and a white breast contrasting with rufous flanks. Their back is dull green-gray, and they possess a long, deeply forked tail. Females lack the gorget, having a duller throat and more extensive rufous on their flanks.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched 'chip' or 'tchip' notes, often given singly or in short series. They also produce buzzing sounds with their wings.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States (primarily Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) and much of central Mexico. It is migratory, breeding in the northern parts of its range and wintering further south in Mexico.
Identifying Featureslong, decurved bill, male's iridescent magenta gorget, rufous flanks, deeply forked tail (especially in males)
Description
The Lucifer Hummingbird is a small, distinctive hummingbird characterized by its long, decurved bill and the male's brilliant iridescent magenta gorget. It is often observed hovering gracefully while feeding on nectar in arid and semi-arid environments.
