Lophornis brachylophus
The Short-crested Coquette (Lophornis brachylophus) is an exceptionally rare and striking hummingbird, a jewel of the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero, Mexico. Measuring a mere 7 cm (2.75 inches) and weighing approximately 2.5 grams, this tiny avian marvel exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are instantly recognizable by their distinctive, short, bushy rufous crest, glittering bright green gorget bordered by a white post-ocular stripe, and a contrasting white chest band, all set agai...
This coquette inhabits humid to semi-humid montane oak-pine and cloud forests, favoring forest edges, clearings, and areas with abundant flowering plants at elevations between 1,000 and 1,800 meters.
The primary diet consists of nectar from a variety of small flowering plants, supplemented by small arthropods caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
Short-crested Coquettes are primarily diurnal, solitary birds, spending their days actively foraging for nectar and insects. Their foraging strategy involves trap-lining, visiting a circuit of suitable flowers, and also gleaning or hawking small insects in flight. Males are likely territorial, vi...
The Short-crested Coquette is an extreme endemic, known only from a highly restricted range within the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains of Guerrero, Mexico. Specifically, confirmed sightings are concentrated around the municipality of Atoyac de Álvarez. It is considered a resident species throughou...
Critically Endangered
- The Short-crested Coquette is one of the world's most endangered hummingbirds, with an estimated population of fewer than 1,000 mature individuals. - It was only scientifically discovered and described in the mid-20th century (1947 discovery, 1949 description), highlighting the hidden biodivers...