Xantus's hummingbird, previously known as the black-fronted hummingbird, is a species in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to the Baja California Peninsula.
Region
Baja California Peninsula
Typical Environment
Xantus's hummingbird inhabits arid and semi-arid zones, especially palm oases, desert scrub, thorny thickets, and human-planted gardens. It is commonly found where flowering shrubs, agaves, and salvias are abundant. Along riparian corridors and canyon springs it uses perches to defend nectar sources. In towns and resorts it readily visits ornamental blooms and feeders. It may ascend into foothills and lower montane habitats during flowering peaks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the Hungarian naturalist John Xántus, this hummingbird is confined to the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico. It frequents oases, desert scrub, and gardens, and is known to be highly territorial around rich nectar sources. Individuals occasionally wander north as rare vagrants to southern California after storms.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Outside of breeding, individuals are mostly solitary and aggressively defend nectar sources from other hummingbirds. Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider silk placed on horizontal branches or palm fronds. The female alone incubates two eggs and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chips and metallic ticks delivered from exposed perches. Males add thin, rapid trills and chatters during territorial displays. Wing hum is prominent at close range.
Plumage
Shimmering green upperparts with warm rufous-cinnamon underparts and dusky wings. The face shows a dark mask bordered above by a bold white eye stripe. Tail is largely rufous with darker central feathers; males often appear more vividly colored and contrasting than females.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from native and ornamental tubular flowers, including salvias, agaves, penstemons, and fairy-duster. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning, providing essential proteins. Will also visit sugar-water feeders when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along flowering hedges, desert scrub, and within palm oases where nectar is concentrated. Frequently patrols linear routes between favored blossoms and perches, and defends productive patches vigorously.
