Mexican Sheartail

Mexico

Jul 17

Mexican Sheartail (Doricha eliza)

Name Origin:
The genus Doricha comes from a courtesan named Rhodopis or Doricha in Greek history, often associated with beauty. The species name eliza honors Eliza Bourcier, wife of the French naturalist Jules Bourcier.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 7–9 cm
⚖️ Weight: ~2.5–3.0 g
🌎 Range: Two disjunct regions in Mexico — central Veracruz and northern Yucatán Peninsula
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to 300 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar from native flowers and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Coastal scrub, mangroves, dry forest edge, and low shrubs
🧬 Clade: Mellisugini (a.k.a. “bees”)
📊 Status: Near Threatened (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Two recognized subspecies:

Doricha eliza eliza
Distribution: Northern Yucatán Peninsula (coastal regions of Yucatán and Campeche)
Doricha eliza bouquetii
Distribution: Central Veracruz, near the Gulf coast

Species Overview

The Mexican Sheartail is a small, elegant hummingbird found only in Mexico. Males are distinguished by their long, deeply forked tail and iridescent pinkish-magenta gorget. Despite its delicate appearance, it survives in harsh, dry coastal habitats and is highly adapted to seasonal conditions. Its two populations are geographically isolated, with no gene flow between them.

Male Description:
Bright green upperparts, white underparts, glittering magenta gorget, and long, curved outer tail feathers forming a deep fork. Bill is straight and black.

Female Description:
Green above, pale grayish below with cinnamon flanks, short white-tipped tail with some dark green, and no gorget. Bill is slightly curved.

Habitat & Behavior:
Favors dry coastal scrub, low thorn forest, mangroves, and degraded semi-open areas with scattered flowering plants. Feeds on nectar from small tubular flowers and catches insects in short sallies. Flight is fast and direct, with tail often held closed except during display. Males perform display flights that include rapid swoops and hovering.

Conservation Note:
The Mexican Sheartail is listed as Near Threatened due to its limited and fragmented range. Both Veracruz and Yucatán populations face pressures from habitat loss, coastal development, and agricultural expansion. The lack of connectivity between populations may also impact long-term resilience. Protection and restoration of coastal habitats are critical to prevent further decline.