If you’re an avid bird watcher, then the Violet-crowned Hummingbird is a species that should definitely be on your list. This small and elusive bird is known for its striking appearance and impressive aerial acrobatics. Here’s everything you need to know about the Violet-crowned Hummingbird.
Basic Description
As one of the larger hummingbirds found in North America, adults can grow up to 4 inches long and weigh around 3-4 grams. The male has a glossy green head, back, wings, and tail feathers with a violet crown that shines under certain lighting conditions which gives it its name. The female features olive-green upperparts with white-streaked throats.
Where To Find This Bird
The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is generally found in the southwestern United States during breeding season (Arizona specifically) as well as Mexico all year round where they reside full-time outside of mating season.
Habitat
These birds tend to prefer arid habitats such as deserts or semiarid shrublands for nesting while residing at higher elevations during migration periods. They typically build their nests high off the ground using soft materials like cottonwood bark or spider webs with lichens for camouflage purposes.
Food
Like most hummingbirds, they primarily feed on nectar from flowers but also include insects like spiders or gnats into their diet during non-breeding seasons when food sources are scarce.
Cool Facts
Did you know that even though these little creatures are tiny they have quite big personalities? They love defending territory against other birds! Males will defend their feeding area aggressively by chasing away any competition making them quite entertaining to watch when fighting.
Another fascinating fact about this bird species is their unique navigation system which allows them to find flowers even after they’ve been removed. They use landmarks to memorize where food sources are located, and follow the same path every time they return.
Overall, the Violet-crowned Hummingbird is a must-see bird for any bird enthusiast due to their unique appearance and interesting characteristics. Keep your eyes peeled on your next trip out west!
