The rufous-crested coquette is a species of hummingbird native to the tropical slopes of pacific South America. Due to its small size and population, it is a rare sight even within its native region. Males of the species can be easily distinguished by their striking rufous coloured spiked crests, and females, while less obvious, can be identified by their small size and rufous coloured foreheads.
Region
Pacific slope of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru
Typical Environment
Occurs locally on the humid Pacific slopes and adjacent foothills, with records also from western Panama. Favors forest edges, clearings, and second growth near mature humid forest, as well as flowering gardens and shrubby slopes. It is a patchy, uncommon species that often appears where seasonally blooming trees and epiphytes are concentrated. Along streams and in canopy gaps it hovers to feed at clustered flowers and occasionally sallies for small insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is famed for the male’s flamboyant rufous, spiky crest used in close-range display flights. Despite being locally scarce and easily overlooked, it can appear suddenly wherever flowers are abundant. Like many coquettes, it often trap-lines between favored blooms and will also take minute insects for protein.
In Panama
Female. Canopy Camp - Darien, Panama
Temperament
active and often inconspicuous; males can be territorial at rich flower patches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering; darts between flowers in quick bursts
Social Behavior
Generally solitary while feeding, with males performing close-range display flights to court females. Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider silk placed on horizontal twigs or sheltered forks. Clutch typically two eggs; both adults remain elusive near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and tseet notes, often given while foraging. Wing hum is noticeable at close range, and display flights add a faint buzzy trill.
