Illustration © David Allen Sibley.
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Text © Kenn Kaufman, adapted from
Lives of North American Birds
Adult male. Photo: Takahashi Photography/Shutterstock
White-eared Hummingbird
Hylocharis leucotis
| Conservation status | Widespread and locally very common in Mexico. Could be vulnerable to major clearing of forest in mountains. |
|---|---|
| Family | Hummingbirds |
| Habitat | Montane forest, pine-oak woods. In Mexico and Central America found mostly in clearing and edges of coniferous forest in higher mountains, as well as pine-oak woods at middle elevations. In the U.S., has been seen most often coming to feeders in mountain canyons, in areas dominated by oak, pine, or Douglas-fir. |
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Feeding Behavior
At flowers, usually feeds while hovering, extending its bill and long tongue deep into the center of the flower. At feeders, may either hover or perch. To catch small insects, it may fly out and grab them in midair, or hover to pluck them from foliage; sometimes takes insects from spider webs.
Eggs
2. White. Incubation is by female only, 14-16 days. 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 23-26 days.
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 23-26 days.
Diet
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.
Nesting
Has been known to nest only a few times in the United States. Where the species is common, males gather in loose groups (scattered about 60-100 feet apart) and perch in trees, singing short songs to attract females. When female visits, male follows her back to her nesting territory and performs flight display. Nest site is 5-20 feet above ground in shrub or tree, saddled on twig or placed in fork. Nest (built by female) is a compact cup of grasses, moss, pine needles, spider webs, lined with plant down. The outside is camouflaged lichen and moss.
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Songs and Calls
Breeding male utters a long, monotonous clinking sound: tink-tink-tink.White-eared Hummingbird In the News More News
Birding
When to Expect Hummingbirds in Your Yard This Spring
Flowers are beginning to bloom, and hummingbirds are starting to return from their southern winter sojourns. Here’s a regional guide for when they should arrive and the food they’re seeking.
