The Cozumel emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to the Mexican island of Cozumel off the Yucatán Peninsula.
Region
Caribbean Mexico
Typical Environment
Restricted to Cozumel Island, where it occupies coastal scrub, mangroves, second-growth thickets, and semi-deciduous woodland edges. It also frequents gardens, parks, and flowering hedgerows in towns. The species favors areas with abundant nectar sources and perches for territorial display. After storms, it concentrates in sheltered patches with continuous bloom.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 30 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Cozumel Island off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this tiny hummingbird is an important local pollinator of native shrubs and trees. Males show a notably forked tail, a feature echoed in its species name. It readily visits flowering gardens and edges, adapting well to human-modified habitats. Despite hurricanes periodically affecting the island, the species has shown resilience and persists widely where flowers are available.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside of courtship, with males defending small flower-rich feeding territories. Females build tiny cup nests on horizontal branches and incubate alone. Clutches are usually two eggs, and males do not assist with parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high, thin chips and sharp tseet notes, often delivered during territorial chases. Males may add a rapid, buzzy chatters series when displaying near preferred perches.
