The Mexican sheartail is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Gulf Coast of Mexico (Veracruz) and Yucatán Peninsula
Typical Environment
Primarily found in low coastal habitats including mangroves, beach dunes with scrub, thorny coastal thickets, and nearby gardens. It often forages along edges and openings where flowering shrubs and vines are abundant. The species occurs in two separated populations: one around central Veracruz on the Gulf coast and another across the northern Yucatán Peninsula, including coastal islets. It prefers areas with seasonally rich floral resources and perches in sheltered shrubs to defend nectar sources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mexican sheartail is a tiny hummingbird with remarkably elongated outer tail feathers in males that give the species its name. It lives in two small, disjunct populations along Mexico’s Gulf and Yucatán coasts, where it favors coastal thickets and mangroves. Habitat loss from coastal development has placed the species at risk, making protection of mangroves and dune scrub crucial. Females alone build a tiny cup nest and raise the two-chick brood.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season, with males defending rich flower patches against rivals. Courtship displays involve hovering and tail fanning near a favored perch. The nest is a tiny cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a slender branch; the female incubates and cares for the young. Clutches are usually two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high, thin chips and twitters given while foraging or during displays. Wingbeats produce a distinct whir that accompanies rapid hovering and short chases.
Plumage
Glossy green upperparts with clean whitish underparts and buffy sides; males show an iridescent rose-magenta gorget and very long, narrow outer tail feathers that curve slightly. Females lack the bright throat, have a shorter, more rounded tail with white tips, and show subtle buff on the flanks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering shrubs, vines, and trees in coastal scrub and mangroves. It favors tubular flowers and will repeatedly visit defended patches. Small insects and spiders are also taken for protein, captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage. It supplements nectar with sap or honeydew on occasion.
Preferred Environment
Forages along mangrove edges, dune scrub, hedgerows, and gardens where blossoms are concentrated. Often uses sheltered perches within thorny shrubs to watch and defend nectar sources.
