The golden-crowned emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to western Mexico.
Region
Western Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific slope in dry to semi-humid lowlands and foothills, especially in tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, second growth, and edges. It often frequents gardens, hedgerows, and riparian corridors where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. Birds are typically encountered from coastal plains into foothills, using both natural and human-altered habitats. They concentrate around seasonal blooms and can shift locally as flower availability changes.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden-crowned emerald is a tiny hummingbird of western Mexico, named for the male’s gleaming golden forecrown. Males often defend rich flower patches aggressively, chasing away larger hummingbirds. Females build small cup nests with plant down and spider silk on low horizontal branches. It readily visits flowering gardens and hedgerows in its range.
Temperament
territorial and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in loose association at rich flower sources. Males defend small feeding territories vigorously. The female alone builds a small cup nest from plant down bound with spider silk and incubates two eggs. Courtship involves chases and display flights near favored flowering shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and rapid twitters given during chases and while perched. Males produce a quick, tinkling series during territorial displays; wing hum is audible at close range.
Plumage
Male is glittering emerald-green with a distinct golden forecrown and a slightly forked tail; plumage appears sleek and iridescent. Female is green above with grayish to whitish underparts and less iridescence, tail less forked. Both sexes show clean, tight feathering typical of small emerald hummingbirds.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including shrubs, trees, and vines. It supplements energy intake with small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or caught in short sallies. Diet composition shifts with seasonal flower availability, and individuals track blooming cycles. At rich resources it may exclude other small nectarivores through aggressive defense.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in second growth, thorn scrub, and gardens where flowering plants are concentrated. Frequently visits roadside hedgerows and riparian vegetation with continuous blooms. Often feeds from mid-story to canopy but will drop to low shrubs in gardens.
