White-crested Coquette

White-crested Coquette (Lophornis adorabilis)

Name Origin:
The genus Lophornis comes from Greek lophos meaning “crest” and ornis meaning “bird,” referring to the elaborate crests and facial ornaments of this genus. The species name adorabilis is Latin for “adorable” or “delightful,” perfectly capturing its tiny size and ornate appearance.

Quick Facts

🯦 Length: 6.5–7 cm (2.6–2.8 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~2.5 g (0.09 oz)
🌎 Range: Southwestern Costa Rica and extreme western Panama
🛍️ Elevation: 600–1,200 m (1,970–3,940 ft)
🌺 Diet: Primarily nectar, also small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid forest edges, plantations, and flowering gardens
🧬 Clade: Lesbiini “Coquettes and Sylphs”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

The White-crested Coquette is monotypic. No recognized subspecies.

Species Overview

One of the most distinctive and sought-after hummingbirds in Central America, the White-crested Coquette dazzles with its unique combination of delicate plumage and extravagant headgear. Males are especially striking, showcasing a bold white crest and rufous cheek tufts that flare when displaying. Though small and easily overlooked, its preference for flowering trees in open woodland edges and gardens makes it more observable than one might expect.

Male Description:

Adult males have brilliant green upperparts, a large white crest, and long rufous-orange cheek tufts. Underparts are largely white with variable green scaling on the flanks and chest. The tail is dark bronzy with a slight fork. The straight black bill is short and needle-like.

Female Description:

Females lack the crest and facial tufts. They show green upperparts, white underparts with buffy flanks, and a small postocular white spot. Tail is bronzy green with broad dark subterminal bands and pale tips. They are subtly marked but retain the elegance typical of the genus.

Habitat & Behavior:

White-crested Coquettes prefer mid-elevation habitats where flowering trees are abundant. Common in forest edges, second-growth, and gardens, they feed on nectar using rapid, hovering flights. Males perform aerial displays to attract mates and are aggressive toward intruders during the breeding season. Their flight is insect-like, quick and darting, often accompanied by high-pitched calls.

Conservation Note:

Despite its small range, the White-crested Coquette is currently assessed as Least Concern due to its stable population in suitable habitats and occurrence in several protected areas. Continued habitat conservation is essential to safeguard its localized populations, especially as forest conversion increases in the region.

Only the female was photographed.