Mexican Violetear

Overview

The Mexican violetear is a medium-sized, metallic green hummingbird species commonly found in forested areas from Mexico to Nicaragua. This species, together with the lesser violetear, was previously considered conspecific and collectively known as the green violetear.

Identification

• Shining green plumage above with a glittering violet ear-patch on the sides of the neck.
• Glittering green throat and chest with a shining green belly.
• Tail is metallic blue-green with bronzy central feathers and a prominent black subterminal band.
• Bill is black, mostly straight with a slight downward curve, measuring 1.8 to 2.5 cm.
• Song consists of a monotonously repeated sharp and dry "tsu-tzeek" at a rate of about one call per second.

Habitat

Common habitats include the canopy and borders of subtropical and lower temperate forest, secondary woodland and scrub, as well as clearings and gardens in the subtropical zone. It is recorded mostly between altitudes of 1,200 to 2,300 m, though it will sometimes wander as far down as 500 m in search of food sources. The species generally prefers more humid and high-altitude areas, such as cloud forests, and breeds from the highlands of southern Mexico south to Nicaragua.

Diet

The Mexican violetear forages alone but tends to gather at flowering trees, especially coffee-shade Inga. They feed at mid-level to canopy and often hold and defend a feeding territory. Their primary food sources are nectar and small insects.

Did you know?

Belonging to the order Apodiformes, derived from Greek meaning "without foot", these birds have quite small feet and short, relatively weak legs that make them poorly adapted for walking or escaping predators on the ground.