Basilinna leucotis
The White-eared Hummingbird, *Basilinna leucotis*, is a dazzling avian jewel of montane forests, instantly recognizable by its striking facial pattern. Measuring approximately 9-10 cm (3.5-4 inches) in length with a wingspan of about 12 cm (4.7 inches) and weighing 3-4 grams, the male boasts iridescent green plumage across its body, a brilliant violet or purplish-blue crown, and a distinctive bright white stripe extending from behind the eye to a prominent white ear patch, framed by a dark lo...
This species primarily inhabits montane pine-oak, evergreen, and mixed conifer forests, often found along stream courses or in canyons at elevations typically ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters (5,000-10,000 feet).
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, especially red and orange varieties, supplemented by a significant intake of small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or hawked in flight.
White-eared Hummingbirds are highly diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and defending territories, often roosting discreetly among dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy involves both trap-lining, visiting a circuit of preferred flowers, and territorial defense, where males ag...
The White-eared Hummingbird's primary distribution spans the highlands of Mexico and Central America, extending from central Sonora and Nuevo León in Mexico south through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. In the United States, it is a rare but regular summer resident and breeder in the "Sky I...
Least Concern
- The White-eared Hummingbird is one of the few species whose range regularly extends into the United States, albeit only in a very limited region of Arizona and New Mexico. - It is well-adapted to high-altitude environments, thriving in montane forests often above 5,000 feet. - Males possess an ...