The short-crested coquette is a Critically Endangered species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to a small area of Mexico.
Region
Southwestern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs in a highly localized area on the Pacific slope, using foothill and lower montane habitats. It favors edges of pine–oak and humid evergreen forest, clearings with abundant flowers, and shade-coffee plantations. Birds concentrate along streams, roadsides, and second growth where nectar sources are dense. Local movements likely follow flowering phenology within this restricted range.
Altitude Range
unknown
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is among the rarest coquettes and is confined to a very small area of Mexico. It depends on seasonal blooms and often tracks flowering shrubs and trees within its limited range. Habitat loss and degradation have driven steep declines, leading to its Critically Endangered status. Sightings can be sporadic as individuals move locally following nectar availability.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary while foraging; males may defend small nectar patches and perform aerial displays. Nest is a tiny cup of plant down and spider silk placed on a slender horizontal branch, sometimes over a stream or clearing. Clutch size is typically two, and the female alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched chips and twitters; vocalizations are often subtle compared to the prominent wing hum. Displaying males may add buzzy trills during short, darting flights.
Plumage
Tiny, compact hummingbird with iridescent green upperparts and pale underparts with a buffy wash; male shows a short erectile crest and ornate facial plumes, with a relatively short, often rufous-tinged tail. Female lacks crest and has a plainer face with spotted or mottled throat.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from small, tubular flowers of shrubs, trees, and epiphytes. It follows a trapline, visiting a circuit of flowering plants and occasionally defends rich nectar sources. Supplements its diet with tiny arthropods caught in flight or gleaned from foliage, especially during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in semi-open clearings, and near streams where flowers are concentrated. Also visits shade-coffee plantations and gardens adjacent to native vegetation.
