The Lucifer Hummingbird is a small, but strikingly beautiful bird that belongs to the Trochilidae family. It is one of the smallest hummingbirds in North America and can be found in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Basic Description
The male Lucifer Hummingbird has vibrant iridescent green feathers on its back and head while its throat is an eye-catching shade of magenta. Its wings are long and pointed with white tips. The female has similar feather patterns but lacks the brilliant magenta throat.
Where To Find This Bird
Lucifer Hummingbirds can be spotted in the Southwest United States during their breeding season from late April through early September. They are usually seen near desert habitats such as mesquite or ocotillo trees.
Habitat
These birds prefer arid environments with low shrubs and cacti where they can easily hide from predators or rest after flying long distances. They also require access to nectar sources for feeding which can come from flowering plants like agave, hummingbird bush or ocotillo.
Food
Lucifer Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar collected from flowers using their specially adapted bill that allows them to hover while sipping up nectar at high speeds. They also eat insects caught during flight for extra protein which helps sustain their rapid metabolism rate required for hovering in place.
Cool Facts
-They get their name from having been discovered by American ornithologist Elliott Coues on June 6th (which was historically known as “Lucifer’s Day”).
-Lucifer Hummingbirds have a heart rate that ranges between 500-1,200 beats per minute – this allows them to fly at speeds up to 60 miles per hour!
-Their nests are so small that they could fit into a thimble.
-Male Lucifer Hummingbirds perform aerial displays while flashing bright colors to attract females during mating season.
-These tiny birds can fly up to 500 miles without stopping for food or water.
In conclusion, the Lucifer Hummingbird may be small in size but it is certainly mighty in beauty and ability. With its shimmering colors and rapid flight capabilities, this bird is a true wonder of nature that deserves admiration and protection.
