The azure-crowned hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
Region
Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and into Nicaragua. It uses pine–oak and montane evergreen forests, forest edges, coffee plantations with shade trees, and semi-open second growth. The species often frequents flowering hedgerows, clearings, and gardens near montane forests. Local movements track seasonal flowering, bringing birds into more open habitats at times.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized hummingbird is named for the glittering azure-blue crown of the adult, which flashes in good light. It favors pine–oak highlands and adjacent clearings and readily visits gardens and nectar feeders. In addition to nectar, it hunts tiny insects for protein, often sallying from perches.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Temperament
territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or loosely tolerant while feeding, with males defending rich flower patches. Nests are small cups made of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on horizontal branches. Breeding timing varies locally but often coincides with peak flowering in the wet season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and tsee notes, often given from exposed perches. Males produce rapid, buzzy twitters and sharp call series during territorial chases.
