Cinnamon Hummingbird

The Cinnamon Hummingbird, known scientifically as Amazilia rutila, is a small avian jewel, measuring a mere 9.5 to 11.5 cm in length and weighing approximately 5 to 5.5 grams. This species is adorned with metallic bronze-green upperparts and a warm cinnamon to cinnamon-rufous underbelly, which is lighter on the chin and upper throat. Its tail is a rich cinnamon rufous to rufous chestnut, with feathers tipped in dark metallic bronze and the outermost feathers edged similarly. The wings are a subdued dark brownish slate. Males boast a red bill with a black tip, while females have a mostly black bill with a red base. Juveniles resemble adults but feature rufous edges on their facial, crown, and rump feathers, and their bills are entirely black.

Identification Tips

To identify the Cinnamon Hummingbird, look for its distinctive cinnamon underparts and metallic green upperparts. The male's red bill with a black tip is a key feature, as is the female's black bill with red at the base. The deep cinnamon rufous tail with bronze tips is also characteristic of this species.

Habitat

The Cinnamon Hummingbird is found in a variety of wooded habitats, including primary and secondary deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, as well as thorn forests. It thrives from sea level up to elevations of around 1,600 meters.

Distribution

This species is a permanent resident across its range, which extends from northwestern Mexico down to northwestern Costa Rica. It is divided into four recognized subspecies, each occupying different geographical areas within this range.

Behaviour

The Cinnamon Hummingbird is a territorial creature, often seen defending its feeding territories from other hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It typically forages from the understory to the mid-story, but will also venture into taller flowering trees.

Song & Calls

The song of the Cinnamon Hummingbird is a varied series of high, thin, slightly squeaky chips, such as "si ch chi-chit" or "tsi si si-si-sit," and sometimes a more continuous "chi chi-chi chi chi." Its call is described as a buzzy, scratchy "tzip" or a sharp "chik."

Breeding

Breeding seasons for the Cinnamon Hummingbird vary across its range, with every month represented in some part. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of plant material and spider web, often placed on a horizontal branch. Clutch size is typically two eggs, but further details on its breeding habits are not well-documented.

Similar Species

Similar species include other Amazilia hummingbirds, but the Cinnamon Hummingbird can be distinguished by its unique coloration and size.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Cinnamon Hummingbird consists of nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by insects. It is an adept feeder, capable of defending its food sources vigorously.

Conservation status

The Cinnamon Hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population of at least 500,000 mature individuals that is considered stable. Habitat destruction is the primary threat to this species, though it is localized.