The turquoise-crowned hummingbird or Doubleday's hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Western and southern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific lowlands and foothills in dry to semi-humid habitats. It favors tropical deciduous forest, thorn scrub, second-growth, riparian thickets, and edges, and readily uses gardens and plantations. Birds often concentrate where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant and may follow seasonal blooms locally.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Doubleday's hummingbird, this small emerald is confined to Mexico’s Pacific slope. Males are noted for a vivid turquoise-blue crown that flashes in good light. They are agile hoverers that defend flower patches fiercely and will also visit garden feeders.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside of breeding, with males aggressively defending rich nectar sources. The female alone builds a tiny cup nest of plant fibers bound with spider silk on a low horizontal branch. Courtship involves swift aerial chases and display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched chips and twitters given from exposed perches. Wing noise produces a soft, insect-like buzz during hovering and display flights.
Plumage
Shimmering emerald-green body with a slightly forked, dark tail; males show a striking turquoise to blue crown. Females are duller with grayer underparts and less iridescence.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees such as Salvia, Ipomoea, and other dry-forest blossoms. Supplements energy needs with small insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage. Will readily use hummingbird feeders when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in thorn scrub, riparian corridors, and human-modified areas with ornamental flowers. Often rotates among flowering patches following peak blooms.
