White-crested Coquette

Common name: White-crested Coquette
Scientific name: Lophornis adorabilis
Clades: Lesbiini - Coquettes

The White-crested coquette is about 7 cm (2.8 in) long and weighs about 2.7 g (0.095 oz).

The White-crested Coquette, a diminutive and captivating bird, is a true marvel of nature. Its most striking feature, the male's spiky white crest, sets it apart from its avian counterparts. Paired with dark green feathers that elegantly trail back from the side of its neck, the male White-crested Coquette showcases a unique and unmistakable appearance. Its white chest, rufous belly, and distinct white band across the rump further enhance its visual allure.

This rare species, with a restricted range in the lowlands and foothills of Costa Rica and western Panama, is a sought-after sight for bird enthusiasts. While the female bears a resemblance to the Black-crested Coquette, a telltale sign is its rufous belly, marking a clear distinction between the two.

The White-crested Coquette is a master of adaptation, making its presence known at all levels of the forest and its edges. It often frequents lower regions, displaying a penchant for small purple flowers found in gardens. Typically observed as solitary creatures, these enchanting birds may congregate in small groups around a particularly bountiful flowering shrub, amplifying the spectacle of their presence.

As an ethereal and coveted sighting, the White-crested Coquette stands as a testament to the natural beauty found within its delicate and unique form.

Distribution From sea level to 1220 m in Costa Rica and western Panama. In Costa Rica occurs chiefly in the south Pacific and north to the Cordillera Central, occasionally on the Caribbean slope. In Panama occurs on the Pacific slope. It has a distribution size (reproductive/resident) of 16,800 km2 (1, BirdLife International 2016).
Endemic to the Americas.