The dusky hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Pacific slope of western and southern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs from the coastal and foothill zones of western Mexico southward along the Pacific slope into the Sierra Madre del Sur. It occupies tropical dry forest, thorn-scrub, secondary growth, arid canyons, and semi-open woodland edges. Often found near flowering hedges, riparian thickets, and human-altered landscapes such as ranches and gardens. Tolerates fragmented habitats and readily uses nectar-rich ornamental plants. Generally absent from dense, wet montane forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dusky hummingbird is a small, relatively plain hummingbird of Mexico’s Pacific slope, lacking the flashy gorgets of many relatives. It favors dry thorn-scrub and open woodland edges where flowering shrubs are abundant. Like other hummers, it aggressively defends rich nectar sources and supplements its diet with tiny insects for protein. It will visit gardens and feeders where available.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and vigorously defends nectar sources from other hummingbirds. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights by males. Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider silk placed on low to mid-level branches in shrubs or small trees. Clutch size is usually two eggs, with the female solely responsible for incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and dry trills. Males give rapid, buzzy series during displays and territorial encounters; calls carry well in open scrub.
Plumage
Dull greenish-olive upperparts with grayish to brownish underparts and a generally dusky, matte appearance. Throat and breast are lightly mottled or scaled, lacking an iridescent gorget. Tail is medium length, slightly notched to shallowly forked, with subtle pale edging.
Diet
Primarily takes nectar from tubular flowers of shrubs, vines, and trees, including native salvias and other dry-forest bloomers. Also gleans and hawks tiny insects and spiders to meet protein needs, especially during breeding. Will visit hummingbird feeders where present and may dominate them despite its small size.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along scrubby edges, flowering hedgerows, gardens, and riparian thickets where blossoms are concentrated. Often patrols a circuit of flowering plants within its defended territory.
