The white-crested coquette is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Southern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Costa Rica into western Panama, mainly in the Pacific slope foothills and adjacent lowlands. It uses forest edges, semi-open areas, second-growth thickets, and flowering gardens, often where Inga, Erythrina, and other nectar sources are present. Shade coffee and mixed agroforestry with abundant blossoms can support local concentrations. It is generally scarce to uncommon and patchy, tracking seasonal blooms.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny hummingbird of southern Costa Rica and western Panama, the white-crested coquette is famed for the male’s erect, snowy white crest and glittering green plumage. It frequents flowering trees in forest edges, second growth, gardens, and shade coffee. Though generally local and uncommon, it can be conspicuous where favored blossoms are abundant. It supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary at flowers but may gather loosely where blooms are dense. Males defend small nectar territories and perform short, darting displays. Nests are tiny cup structures placed on slender horizontal branches, built from plant fibers and spider webs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and rapid tsets given during feeding and chases. Wings produce a faint whir during hovering; males may add soft buzzy trills in display.
