Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird
Cynanthus doubledayi
Order: Apodiformes / Family: Trochilidae
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About the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird, Cynanthus doubledayi, is a small yet striking member of the family Trochilidae. This species is endemic to western Mexico, primarily inhabiting the coastal regions of the Pacific slope from Nayarit to Oaxaca. Known for its vibrant plumage, the male Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird sports a brilliant blue-green crown that shimmers in the sunlight, making it one of the more visually captivating hummingbirds in its range. The females tend to be less vibrant, with more subdued green hues, yet they still possess the signature turquoise crown, albeit less pronounced. This hummingbird plays a crucial ecological role as a pollinator, facilitating the reproduction of a variety of flowering plants within its habitat. Its preference for open woodlands, thorn scrub, and semi-arid regions makes it an essential component of these ecosystems. The hummingbird's presence often indicates a healthy environment, rich in floral diversity. Seasonal behaviors of the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird include altitudinal migrations, where individuals move to higher elevations during the dry season to find suitable feeding grounds, while returning to lower elevations as flowers bloom during the wet season. This movement ensures that they maintain a steady food supply throughout the year. As a pollinator, the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird significantly contributes to the biodiversity of its habitats. The species exhibits territorial behavior, with males often defending flower-rich areas from intruders to secure feeding rights. This behavior not only ensures their survival but also promotes the healthy growth of native plant species, as the hummingbirds aid in cross-pollination. The hummingbird's adaptability to various habitats, including urban gardens and rural landscapes, highlights its resilience and importance in maintaining ecological balance.
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird belongs to the family Trochilidae, within the order Apodiformes. These birds typically live typically 3-5 years, with some individuals living up to 7 years..
How to Identify a Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird is a small bird, measuring approximately 9-10 cm in length with a wingspan of about 11 cm. The adult male is particularly striking, featuring a bright blue-green crown that contrasts sharply with its iridescent green back and pale gray underparts. The throat is a rich emerald green, which can appear darker depending on the light. In contrast, the female is less vividly colored, with a more muted green crown and a whitish-gray underbelly. Juvenile birds resemble the females but may show more mottling and less distinct coloration patterns. When in flight, the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird's silhouette is characterized by rapid wingbeats and a slightly curved, slender bill, which aids in nectar feeding. The tail is forked, which is a useful field mark when identifying this species from similar hummingbirds. Perching posture is upright, often with the tail slightly flared, allowing observers to see its subtle coloration. Confusion may arise with the Broad-billed Hummingbird, but the latter lacks the turquoise crown, a defining feature of Cynanthus doubledayi. Observers should note the color and shape of the bill, as well as the underpart coloration, to distinguish between these species.
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Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird Habitat and Range
Preferred Habitat
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird primarily occupies open woodlands, coastal scrub, and semi-arid regions of western Mexico. It thrives in habitats from sea level up to elevations of about 1,500 meters. These birds are commonly found in areas with abundant flowering plants, such as thorn scrub and dry forests, where they can easily access nectar. During the dry season, the species exhibits some altitudinal movement, seeking higher elevations where flowering plants might be more prevalent. Although primarily associated with natural habitats, the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird has adapted to urban gardens and rural agricultural areas, where ornamental and cultivated flowering plants provide reliable food sources. This adaptability allows them to persist in a variety of settings, though they tend to avoid dense, closed-canopy forests where flowering opportunities are limited.
Geographic Range
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird's range extends along the Pacific slope of Mexico, from southern Sinaloa and Nayarit to Oaxaca. It occupies a relatively narrow strip of coastal and near-coastal regions, where the climate and vegetation support their feeding and breeding needs. The species is considered a resident bird within this range, though it engages in altitudinal movements rather than long-distance migrations. Population density hotspots include the thorn scrubs and open woodlands of Jalisco and Michoacán, where large concentrations of flowering plants attract these birds. Though not migratory in the traditional sense, their seasonal movements ensure that they have access to nectar sources year-round, as they shift between elevations to track blooming patterns.
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What Does the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird Eat?
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, utilizing its long, slender bill to access deep flowers. Its diet includes nectar from both native and introduced plant species, allowing it to thrive in diverse habitats. Seasonal changes in flowering patterns influence its diet, as it shifts between plant species to ensure a continuous food supply. In addition to nectar, it consumes small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins and nutrients. Foraging techniques include hovering in front of flowers to extract nectar and catching insects in midair or gleaning them from plant surfaces. Feeding typically occurs throughout the day, with peaks in the early morning and late afternoon when nectar flow is at its highest.
Want to attract Turquoise-crowned Hummingbirds to your yard? See our recommended feeders and seed types for the best results.
Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird Behavior and Social Structure
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird exhibits a variety of fascinating behaviors, particularly in its territorial and courtship displays. Males aggressively defend feeding territories, chasing away intruders with rapid chases and aerial displays. These territories are often centered around flower-rich areas, ensuring a consistent food supply. During courtship, the male performs intricate flight displays, including steep dives and rapid side-to-side movements, to attract females. Socially, this species is generally solitary outside the breeding season, with individuals maintaining personal feeding areas. In response to predators, such as birds of prey, the hummingbird relies on its agility and speed to evade capture. It often seeks shelter in dense vegetation when threatened. Daily activity patterns are influenced by temperature and nectar availability, with most activity occurring in the cooler parts of the day. Although primarily diurnal, the hummingbird can extend its feeding into the early evening if necessary.
Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird Nesting and Reproduction
The nesting habits of the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird are as intricate as their plumage. They construct small, cup-shaped nests using plant down and fibers, often bound with spider silk for elasticity and strength. These nests are typically located on slender tree branches or shrubs, concealed by foliage to protect against predators. The female lays 2 eggs per clutch and solely undertakes incubation, which lasts about 14-16 days. After hatching, the female continues to care for the young, feeding them regurgitated nectar and insects. Fledging occurs approximately 20-23 days after hatching, when the young are ready to leave the nest and begin independent life. The species may have 2-3 broods per year, depending on environmental conditions and food availability.
Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird Sounds and Vocalizations
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird's primary song consists of a series of high-pitched, rapid chips and trills. These sounds, though not as melodious as true songbirds, serve essential communication functions. Call notes are sharp and metallic, often used in territorial disputes or when alerting other hummingbirds to the presence of intruders. Alarm calls are more staccato, indicating heightened stress or danger. During the dawn chorus, the hummingbird's vocalizations contribute to the vibrant soundscape, though it is less prominent compared to other bird species due to its smaller size and subtler voice.
Interesting Facts About the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird
- 1The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird can beat its wings up to 80 times per second, allowing for exceptional maneuverability.
- 2Unlike many other birds, hummingbirds can recall the location of individual flowers and the timing of their nectar production.
- 3Turquoise-crowned Hummingbirds consume approximately half their body weight in nectar daily, showcasing their high metabolic rate.
- 4Despite their small size, these hummingbirds can fly at speeds exceeding 50 km/h during courtship and territorial displays.
- 5The iridescent plumage of the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird is not due to pigments but rather light refraction in the feathers.
- 6Their heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute, supporting their energetic lifestyle.
- 7Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird nests are so small that they can comfortably fit within the palm of a human hand.
Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird Conservation Status
Currently, the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable population trends. However, habitat destruction and climate change pose significant threats to its future. Deforestation and agricultural expansion lead to the loss of critical feeding and breeding habitats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting the planting of native flowering plants in gardens and urban areas. Historically, the species has shown resilience, maintaining stable numbers despite some habitat pressures. Continued conservation measures are essential to ensure long-term survival.
Attracting Turquoise-crowned Hummingbirds to Your Feeder
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders across its range. At the Eye On The Fly feeding station, we observe Turquoise-crowned Hummingbirds regularly and capture footage with our feeder cameras.
