Mexican Violetear

The Mexican violetear (Colibri thalassinus) is a medium-sized hummingbird adorned with a resplendent metallic green plumage. A distinctive glittering violet patch graces each side of its neck, while its underparts shimmer with a similar green iridescence. The tail feathers exhibit a metallic blue-green hue, with bronzy central feathers and a pronounced black subterminal band. This avian jewel measures approximately 9.7 to 12 cm in length, with a wingspan of 12 cm, and weighs between 4.8 to 5.6 grams.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Mexican violetear, look for its mostly straight, black bill with a slight downward curve, measuring 1.8 to 2.5 cm. The wing chord ranges from 5.8 to 6.8 cm, and the tail from 3.5 to 4.3 cm. The bird's overall shining green appearance and the namesake violet ear-patch are key distinguishing features.

Habitat

This species is typically found in the canopy and edges of subtropical to lower temperate forests, secondary woodlands, scrublands, and even gardens within the subtropical zone. It thrives at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,300 meters, though it may descend to 500 meters in pursuit of sustenance.

Distribution

The Mexican violetear's breeding range extends from the highlands of southern Mexico down to Nicaragua. It is an infrequent, yet annual visitor to the United States, particularly in southern and central Texas, with occasional sightings as far north as southern Canada. The bird's presence is also noted in the montane regions of the northern Andes from Bolivia to Venezuela.

Behaviour

This hummingbird forages solitarily but is known to congregate at flowering trees, such as coffee-shade Inga. It defends feeding territories vigorously and feeds from mid-level to the canopy. The species adapts well to deforested areas and is considered fairly common.

Song & Calls

The male Mexican violetear's song consists of a monotonous, sharp, and dry "tsu-tzeek" call, repeated approximately once per second. These calls are typically delivered from exposed twigs within their territory.

Breeding

The Mexican violetear is a solitary nester, with the female solely responsible for nest construction and care of the young. The nest, a small cup made of plant materials, spider webs, and down, is placed on a low, horizontal branch. The female lays two white eggs and incubates them for 14-18 days. Hatchlings are fed insects to meet their high nutritional needs.

Migration

The seasonal movements of the Mexican violetear are not fully understood. Post-breeding, many individuals from northern populations migrate southward or to lower elevations, but sightings far north of their typical range suggest a more complex migratory behavior.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Mexican violetear as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival. It is also listed in CITES Appendix II.