Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird

Mexico

Jul 17

Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird (Cynanthus doubledayi)

Name Origin:
The genus Cynanthus comes from Greek kynos (dog) and anthos (flower), though the exact reason for this naming is unclear. The species name doubledayi honors Edward Doubleday, a British entomologist and collector.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~3.0–3.5 g (0.11–0.12 oz)
🌎 Range: Pacific slope of southwestern Mexico, from southern Nayarit to Oaxaca
🧭 Elevation: 300–2,000 m (980–6,560 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Dry to semi-humid forest, scrub, and forest edges
🧬 Clade: Trochilini – “Emeralds”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic – no recognized subspecies.

Species Overview
Endemic to southwestern Mexico, the Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird is a striking resident of dry forests and scrubby woodlands. Males show a shimmering turquoise crown and gorget that flashes in the sunlight, while the rest of the body is mostly green with a slightly forked tail. Females are more subdued, with grayish underparts and green upperparts. Unlike some tropical hummingbirds, this species often prefers arid or seasonally dry habitats and adapts well to disturbed areas.

Male Description:
Brilliant turquoise crown and gorget, bright green back and flanks, and a slightly forked tail. Bill is straight and black with a reddish base to the lower mandible.

Female Description:
Green above, grayish-white below, with faint green spotting on the throat. The crown is dull, lacking the male’s iridescence. Tail is more rounded with pale tips.

Habitat & Behavior:
Occurs in dry forest, second growth, and open woodland, often near flowering shrubs and trees. Feeds on nectar while hovering and also takes insects in flight. Usually solitary, occasionally visits feeders. Males may defend small feeding territories but are less aggressive than larger hummingbird species.

Conservation Note:
The species has a restricted range but remains relatively common within it. It tolerates habitat fragmentation better than many forest specialists and is often seen in semi-open landscapes. Continued preservation of native scrub and dry forest is important to ensure long-term viability of its populations.