White-eared
Common name: White-eared Hummingbird
Scientific name: Basilinna leucotis
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
The White-eared Hummingbird is 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 in) long. Males weigh an average of 3.6 g (0.13 oz) and females 3.2 g (0.11 oz).
Medium-sized hummingbirds with a stocky appearance can be distinguished from others in forest and clearing habitats, such as those in mountain pine-oak and pine-evergreen forests. At low and middle levels, it feeds mainly on flowers growing along roadsides. The male and female have the same black mask, thick white ear-stripes, and red bill bases. Male heads and throats often appear black, but with the right lighting, they flash brilliant violet and green hues. Green spots appear on the female's throat and breast. In addition to their metallic chipping song, they are also distinguishable from similar species based on their song. It is not uncommon for White-eared Hummingbirds to build their nests adjacent to one another, or even on top of former nests.
3 subspecies:
B. l. borealis
Distribution N Mexico (E Sonora, W Chihuahua, and S Coahuila to SW Tamaulipas); rarely to SW USA (SE Arizona).B. l. leucotis
Distribution highlands of C and S Mexico (S from Durango and San Luis Potosí) to Guatemala.B. l. pygmaea
Distribution highlands of El Salvador, Honduras and NC Nicaragua.
