Cynanthus doubledayi
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird, *Cynanthus doubledayi*, is a dazzling avian jewel endemic to southwestern Mexico, captivating observers with its brilliant plumage. Males are particularly striking, adorned with an iridescent blue-green crown that contrasts sharply with a truly spectacular, metallic turquoise gorget. Their back is bright green, wings blackish, and a deeply forked black tail completes their elegant profile. They measure approximately 8-9 cm (3-3.5 inches) in length and weigh ...
This species thrives in arid to semi-arid environments, preferring thorn forests, deciduous forests, riparian woodlands, and canyons, typically from sea level up to 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) in elevation.
Primarily nectivorous, feeding on nectar from a wide array of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by small insects caught in mid-air or gleaned from foliage.
Turquoise-crowned Hummingbirds are highly active diurnal feeders, spending their nights roosting discreetly within dense vegetation. They employ a combination of hovering at flowers to sip nectar and skilled aerial hawking to capture small insects, supplementing their diet with vital protein. Mal...
The Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird is entirely resident, with its geographic distribution restricted to the Pacific slope of southwestern Mexico. Its primary range extends from Michoacán south through Guerrero and Oaxaca, reaching into western Chiapas. It inhabits coastal lowlands and foothills, g...
Least Concern
- The male's vivid turquoise gorget is structural coloration, meaning its brilliant hue results from light interference rather than pigments, appearing differently depending on the viewing angle. - Like all hummingbirds, they have an extraordinarily high metabolism, requiring them to feed almost ...