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Adult male. Photo: Wildpix 645/Shutterstock
Saucerottia beryllina
Conservation status | Common and widespread in Mexico, but may be vulnerable to loss of habitat. |
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Family | Hummingbirds |
Habitat | Mountain forests, canyons. Arizona occurrences have been mostly at 5,000-7,000 feet in mountains, in open pine-oak woods or among sycamores in shady canyons. In Mexico, occurs widely in foothills and lower slopes of mountains, especially in oak woodlands. |
At flowers, usually feeds while hovering, extending its bill and long tongue deep into the flower. At feeders, may either hover or perch. To catch small insects, may fly out and grab them in midair, or hover to pluck them from foliage.
2. White. Incubation is by female only, probably more than 2 weeks. Young: Female feeds the young, sticking her bill deep into their mouths and regurgitating tiny insects, perhaps mixed with nectar. Age of young at first flight about 18-20 days.
Female feeds the young, sticking her bill deep into their mouths and regurgitating tiny insects, perhaps mixed with nectar. Age of young at first flight about 18-20 days.
Mostly nectar and insects. Takes nectar from flowers, and will feed on tiny insects as well. Will also feed on sugar-water mixtures in hummingbird feeders.
Breeding behavior is not well known. In Arizona, has nested during the summer rainy season. Nest site is in deciduous tree or shrub, sometimes in a coniferous tree. Nest (built by female) is a compact cup of grasses, moss, plant fibers, spider webs, lined with plant down. The outside is camouflaged with flakes of green lichen.
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