Lucifer Hummingbird
A species of Calothorax Sheartails Scientific name : Calothorax lucifer Genus : Calothorax Sheartails
Lucifer Hummingbird, A species of Calothorax Sheartails
Botanical name: Calothorax lucifer
Genus: Calothorax Sheartails
Content
Description General Info
Description
The lucifer sheartail is a medium-sized, 10 centimetres (3.9 in) long, green hummingbird with a long curved bill, small wings, and white streak behind its eye. The male has an iridescent plumage, forked dark tail, green crown, long magenta gorget, and white underparts. The female is larger with duller plumage, pale throat and white or buff feathers underside, usually with crimson trim. 
Size
9 cm (3.4 in)
Life Expectancy
4 years
Nest Placement
Shrub
Clutch Size
2 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 2 broods
Number of Broods
15 days
Nestling Period
22 - 24 days
Feeding Habits
Lucifer Hummingbird's diet consists primarily of nectar, notably from agave and penstemon. They also engage in 'thievery' by feeding on bat-adapted agaves without pollination. Competition with carpenter bees limits their ocotillo foraging. Lucifer Hummingbird consumes insects and spiders, providing these proteins to their young.
Habitat
Lucifer Hummingbird typically reside in arid environments such as desert canyons and slopes, epitomized by Chihuahuan desert foothills in the U.S. They favor altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 feet and thrive in canyons, dry washes, and scrublands populated with agave, ocotillo, cholla, sotol shrubs, and various cacti. During the U.S. off-season, from March to September, these birds migrate to central Mexico to occupy similar arid scrub habitats or venture into pine-oak woodlands and tropical deciduous forest canyons.
Nest Behavior
Female lucifer Hummingbirds build nests over 10 days to 2 weeks using local materials and sometimes those from other lucifer Hummingbird nests. They meticulously care for and protect the eggs and young once laid.
Nest Characteristics
Lucifer Hummingbird nests are found 2-10 feet above ground on cholla, ocotillo, or lechuguilla in arid, rocky areas. The 1.8-inch wide and 2.2-inch tall cup-shaped nests are constructed with plant fibers, oak catkins, grass, and twigs, and adorned with lichens and leaves.
Dite type
Nectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Bird Feeder Type
Nectar Feeder
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Mexico
Behavior
Lucifer Hummingbird exhibit dynamic daily activities typical of hummingbirds, such as hovering whilst feeding on nectar, capturing insects mid-flight, and rapid, linear transits between locations. It shows notable territoriality; males aggressively defend floral territories from rivals and females protect nesting areas from potential predators such as Scott's Orioles and Loggerhead Shrikes. While lucifer Hummingbird engage in non-monogamous mating behaviors, males perform an elaborate courtship display, which includes fast-paced horizontal shuttling in front of the female, then a high ascent and diving maneuver accompanied by distinctive, audible wing flicks and tail sounds. These displays can occur frequently, up to five times within an hour.
Distribution Area
The lucifer sheartail is distributed to deserts and arid areas with agave plants in the southwestern United States, from southwest Texas, extreme southwestern New Mexico to southeastern Arizona, and in central and northern Mexico. It is also found in the Madrean sky islands of the northern end of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico. Its preferred habitat tends to be at altitudes of 3,500–5,500 feet (1,100–1,700 m) in canyons, mountain slopes, and dry washes having desert shrubs and cacti. In winter, the birds migrate to central Mexico.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Swifts and hummingbirds Family
Hummingbirds Genus
Calothorax Sheartails Species
Lucifer Hummingbird 
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