The black-crested coquette is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to Costa Rica, mainly on the Caribbean slope and adjacent foothills. It favors lowland and foothill evergreen forest, semi-open woodland, second growth, and forest edges. The species readily visits flowering trees and shrubs in plantations, riparian corridors, and gardens. Local movements track flowering peaks, but it is generally resident within its range.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is noted for the male’s distinctive black crest and a bold white rump band that flashes in flight. It often follows bursts of flowering in forest edges and gardens, making brief, agile visits to blossoms. Females build tiny cup nests bound with spider silk and camouflaged with lichens. Like many hummingbirds, it shows rapid, hovering flight and remarkable maneuverability.
Black-crested coquette feeding on blue porterweeds
Temperament
energetic and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers but several individuals may gather at blooming trees. Males defend rich nectar sources and display with rapid zigzag flights. Nests are tiny cups placed on slender horizontal branches, built from plant down and spider silk, with two white eggs per clutch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and tsip notes given during foraging and chases. Wingbeats produce an audible hum; display flights may add a faint buzzy trill.
