The Mexican woodnymph is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae endemic to western Mexico. It lives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland/foothill forest and plantations, feeding on flower nectar and insects. Mexican woodnymphs are vulnerable, threatened by habitat loss through deforestation.
Region
Western Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist lowland and foothill evergreen forest, semi-deciduous forest, and mature second growth, as well as shaded plantations and forest edges. It favors areas with abundant flowering understory and midstory, often along ravines and streams. The species is patchy, tracking seasonal peaks in blooming plants. Habitat loss and fragmentation from deforestation reduce suitable foraging and nesting sites. It can persist in traditional shade coffee but declines in sun-exposed monocultures.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mexican woodnymph is a small hummingbird restricted to the Pacific slope of western Mexico, where males aggressively defend rich flower patches. It readily visits shaded coffee plantations as well as natural foothill forests, making agroforestry important for its persistence. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein, especially during breeding.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone, with males vigorously defending nectar sources against conspecifics and other hummingbirds. Nests are tiny cup-shaped structures of plant down and spider silk placed on low horizontal branches or sheltered forks. Breeding behavior includes aerial chases and display flights around feeding territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and twitters delivered during foraging and territorial encounters. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and males may add rapid trills during display flights.
Plumage
Male shows glossy, iridescent plumage with shimmering emerald-green body and bluish-violet highlights on head and throat, and a dark, slightly forked, bluish tail. Female is green above with grayish to whitish underparts, a pale throat, and white corners to the tail. Both sexes have a slender, slightly decurved bill suited to tubular flowers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers in the understory and midstory, including native forest blooms and shade-grown coffee blossoms. Also hawks or gleans tiny insects and spiders for protein, especially when feeding young. Tracks seasonal flowering, shifting among patches as resources change.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and streamside thickets. Frequently uses shaded agroforestry systems where nectar sources are dense and diverse.
