Rufous-crested Coquette
Rufous-crested Coquette (Lophornis delattrei)
Name Origin:
The genus Lophornis is from Greek lophos, meaning “crest,” and ornis, meaning “bird.” The species name delattrei honors French naturalist Adolphe Delattre, who contributed extensively to the study of Neotropical birds.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 6.1–7 cm (2.4–2.8 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~2.3–2.7 g (0.08–0.10 oz)
🌎 Range: From Panama through the Andes of Colombia and eastern slope of Peru to northern Bolivia
🧭 Elevation: 400–1,400 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and tiny insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid foothill and montane forest, forest edges, and shrubby clearings
🧬 Clade: Lesbiini (a.k.a. “coquettes”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Two subspecies:
Lophornis delattrei lessoni
Distribution: Pacific and Caribbean slopes of Panama, and Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia (Magdalena Valley and Santander). Old records from Costa Rica.Lophornis delattrei delattrei
Distribution: Eastern slope of northern Peru (San Martín) south to northern Bolivia (Beni and western Santa Cruz)
Species Overview
The Rufous-crested Coquette is a stunning, tiny hummingbird known for its flamboyant headgear and agile flight. Males are unmistakable with a bright rufous crest and spiky facial plumes that flare outward. Though often elusive, this species actively visits flowering trees and shrubs in foothill forests and is especially drawn to areas with a dense understory.
Male Description:
Metallic green upperparts, bold rufous crest, and flamboyant facial plumes. Throat glittering green with white below. Tail rufous with a dark band. In poor light, the plumage can appear dull, but it flashes brilliantly when hit by sunlight.
Female Description:
Lacks crest and facial plumes. Green above, buffy below with fine spotting or scaling on throat and breast. Rufous edges in the tail, but more subdued overall.
Habitat & Behavior:
Found at forest edges, clearings, gardens, and regenerating growth, usually between 400 and 1,400 meters. Feeds quickly and erratically on small flowers, often at mid-level or canopy. Males are less territorial than larger species, often foraging in loose mixed groups. Hovering and agile, they sometimes perform short, energetic display flights.
Conservation Note:
This species has a broad but patchy distribution. While some populations are localized, it tolerates degraded habitats and gardens near forest, helping buffer against habitat loss. Continued protection of montane forest corridors ensures its long-term survival.
Below is the Rufous-crested Coquette (Lophornis delattrei delattrei)
Photographed at Waqanki/Quebrada Mishquiyaquillo, San Martín, Peru
These individuals belong to the subspecies delattrei, found along the eastern slope of the Andes from northern Peru (San Martín) to northern Bolivia (Beni, Santa Cruz). This form is characterized by its striking rufous crest and bold green body, typical of coquettes in montane foothill forests. It frequents forest edges and second-growth areas rich in nectar-producing flowers.
