The Mexican violetear is a medium-sized, metallic green hummingbird species commonly found in forested areas from Mexico to Nicaragua. This species, together with the lesser violetear were previously considered conspecific, and together called the green violetear.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from the highlands of Mexico south through Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, mainly in montane landscapes. It frequents humid cloud forests, pine–oak forests, forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and semi-open second growth. The species readily uses human-modified habitats such as gardens, parks, and shade coffee plantations where nectar flowers are abundant. It often makes local elevational movements following blooms.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized hummingbird shimmers metallic green with a vivid violet patch on the ear-coverts, which gives the species its name. It was formerly lumped with the lesser violetear as the green violetear. Mexican violetears are notably aggressive at flowering shrubs and feeders, often chasing other hummingbirds. Individuals occasionally wander far north as vagrants into the southern United States.
Temperament
territorial and assertive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Breeding is polygynous; males display and sing from exposed perches but provide no parental care. Females build a small cup nest of plant fibers and spider silk on a horizontal branch, usually laying two white eggs. Outside breeding, individuals may gather loosely where flowers are plentiful but maintain feeding territories.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Males deliver a persistent series of thin, buzzy chips and metallic tzeet notes from an exposed perch. Calls are sharp, dry ticks and chatters given during chases and territorial disputes.
Plumage
Overall metallic emerald to bronze-green with a glittering violet-blue patch on the ear-coverts and a slight blue-violet wash on the chest. Tail slightly notched, dark with bluish gloss and a broad darker subterminal band.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a wide variety of tubular flowers, including shrubs, epiphytes, and garden ornamentals. It supplements nectar with small insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning, providing essential proteins. Individuals may defend rich flower patches aggressively, though they also practice traplining between scattered blooms.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages along forest edges, clearings, and flowering hedgerows, as well as in gardens and shade coffee farms. Most feeding occurs from understory to mid-canopy where nectar sources are concentrated.
