The dot-eared coquette is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia and Brazil.
Region
Amazon Basin (Brazil and northern Bolivia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland Amazonian forests, especially terra firme and edge habitats with abundant flowering trees. It uses second-growth, forest gaps, and riverine corridors, and will visit gardens and clearings in forested settlements. Typically forages in the subcanopy to canopy but also drops to understory flowers along edges. It is generally local but can be seasonally more visible when certain trees bloom.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny hummingbird of the Amazon Basin, the dot-eared coquette is famed for the male’s ornate headgear and the small pale 'dots' behind the ear coverts that inspire its name. Females are much plainer, lacking the crest and ear-dots, which helps with field identification. It frequents flowering trees at forest edges and clearings and often follows a trap-line of nectar sources. Like most hummingbirds, it also snaps up tiny insects for protein.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary while foraging, concentrating at flowering trees where brief chases occur. Males perform short display flights near favored blossoms. Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider silk placed on small horizontal branches. Typical clutch is two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills given while foraging or during chases. The rapid wing hum is often the first clue to its presence near flowering trees.
