Nature’s Mashup: Festive × Frilled Coquette Hybrid
In the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest, at the vibrant feeders of Duco Lodge in ElDorado, a never-before-seen hummingbird has stolen the spotlight — a stunning hybrid between the Festive Coquette (Lophornis chalybeus) and the Frilled Coquette (Lophornis magnificus).
The discovery wasn’t made in a lab or research expedition — it happened by Duco, the lodge’s owner and lifelong bird enthusiast, was scanning his feeders when something unfamiliar caught his eye.
A Blend of Two Species
This hybrid individual displays an unusual combination of physical traits:
Emerald-green crown and throat, with tight, reflective plumage resembling the Festive Coquette.
Partial lateral frills on the neck — short, spade-like feathers that echo the Frilled Coquette’s elaborate ornamentation, but less pronounced.
Buff-colored underparts, especially across the lower chest and flanks, blending the warmer tones of the Frilled with the cleaner lines of the Festive.
Long, dark tail feathers and wing shape consistent with the Frilled Coquette.
A compact, upright posture and feeding behavior typical of both parent species.
This combination of features — clearly pulling from both L. chalybeus and L. magnificus — confirms the bird as a probable interspecific hybrid.
Documented at Feeders
The individual was photographed multiple times while feeding at Duco Lodge. It appeared comfortable around human activity and was observed both perched and hovering. These clear visual records have allowed for close morphological comparison with both parent species.
While hybrid hummingbirds are not unprecedented, especially within the genus Lophornis, this appears to be the first known hybrid between these two specific species.
Ecological and Scientific Significance
The ranges of the Festive and Frilled Coquette overlap in parts of southeastern Brazil, but documented hybridization between them has not been recorded in the wild. This observation suggests a possible contact zone in the ElDorado region, where overlapping territories and compatible courtship behavior may occasionally lead to crossbreeding.
This discovery raises important ecological questions:
Are changing habitat conditions causing shifts in territory overlap?
How frequent are such hybrids in coquette populations?
Could this indicate broader hybrid zones in southeastern Brazil?
Further observation and potential genetic analysis would be required to formally document the hybrid and understand its place in the local ecosystem.
Ongoing Monitoring
The individual continues to visit the feeders at Duco Lodge and has become a point of interest for birdwatchers and photographers. Its regular presence allows for ongoing visual study and data collection.
This hybrid coquette is a rare and valuable sighting — a vivid example of how even well-studied bird communities can still produce surprises.
photographs below are all credited to Duco owner of Duco Lodge.
About Duco Lodge
Nestled in Eldorado, São Paulo, Brazil, Duco Lodge offers five cozy rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, enjoy both hot and cold water for your relaxation. Our grounds are a haven for vibrant hummingbirds and wildlife, including toucans and tanagers, complemented by feeding stations and hides for close-up views. We provide expert guiding and multi-flash services to enhance your experience. Whether you're staying the night or visiting for the day, we eagerly welcome you to connect with nature at Duco Lodge.
Bird species: Up to 20 different species of hummingbirds, including the endemic Festive Coquette, endemic Saw-billed Hermit, endemic Frilled Coquette, Black-eared Fairy, Black Jacobin, Glittering-throated Emerald, Sombre Hummingbird and more!
Reservations: (+55) 13 99734-0210 WhatsApp
Address:
Duco Lodge
CM24+V4
Eldorado, São Paulo, 11960-000 Brazil