Rivoli's hummingbird, also known as the magnificent hummingbird, is a species of hummingbird in the "mountain gems", tribe Lampornithini in subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the United States.
Region
Southwestern United States and Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Occupies montane habitats from the southwestern United States through the highlands of Mexico into Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. It favors pine–oak forests, cloud forests, and canyons, especially along forest edges and riparian corridors with abundant flowering plants. In the U.S. it frequents canyons and mountain slopes with agaves, penstemons, and salvias, and readily visits feeders near high-elevation towns. Populations shift elevation locally to track flowering cycles and suitable temperatures.
Altitude Range
1000–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known historically as the magnificent hummingbird, Rivoli's hummingbird is among the largest hummingbirds to occur in North America. The male’s emerald gorget and violet crown flash brilliantly only at certain angles. It often follows seasonal blooms upslope and downslope and can enter nocturnal torpor on cold mountain nights.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering specialist with short rapid wingbeats; swift, darting flights between flowers
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of mating and feeding aggregations at rich flower patches or feeders. Males defend nectar resources vigorously; they do not assist with nesting. Females build cup nests from plant down and spider silk on horizontal branches, often well shaded.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, sharp chips and thin, buzzy trills given during feeding and territorial encounters. The wings produce an audible hum; courtship or display flights may add sharp, metallic notes.
Plumage
Male is dark with strong iridescence, showing a brilliant emerald throat (gorget) and glowing violet crown; underparts appear sooty with metallic green highlights. Female is green above and grayish below with a buffy wash and less iridescence. Both sexes have a slightly forked tail and a small white spot behind the eye.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from tubular flowers such as salvias, penstemons, agaves, and other montane shrubs and trees. Also takes small arthropods—gnats, midges, and spiders—hawked on the wing or gleaned from foliage to obtain protein. Readily visits hummingbird feeders when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and canyon riparian zones where flowering plants are concentrated. Often forages at mid to upper canopy but will descend to understory patches and garden feeders.
