The curve-winged sabrewing is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Eastern Mexico (Sierra Madre Oriental and Gulf slope)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Gulf slope of eastern Mexico, primarily in humid foothill and mid-elevation forests. It uses evergreen and cloud forest, pine–oak edges, ravines, and shaded coffee plantations. Birds are most often found along forest edges and gaps where nectar flowers are abundant. It will also visit human-altered landscapes with suitable flowering shrubs.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large hummingbird is endemic to Mexico and belongs to the 'emeralds' group of hummingbirds. Males have modified, sabre-like primary feathers that create audible wing sounds during displays. It frequently visits garden flowers and feeders in montane regions and is an important pollinator of tubular blossoms. Nests are delicate cups of plant fibers and spider silk placed on horizontal forks or hanging leaves.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Males vigorously defend rich nectar sources and perform display flights that include audible wing trills. Breeding is typical of hummingbirds: the female builds a cup nest from plant fibers and spider silk and incubates alone. Clutches are usually two white eggs, and the young are fed by the female with regurgitated nectar and tiny insects.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched tsee and tzip notes interspersed with buzzy chips. Males also produce mechanical wing sounds during display flights, a distinctive whir or trill that carries through the understory.
