Female © Jay McGowan
Male © Tyler Wenzel
Male © Theo Staengl
Female © Luke Seitz

Black-crested Coquette Lophornis helenae

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Tiny, insectlike hummingbird of humid tropical forest and edge in foothills and lowlands; infrequently seen. Feeds quietly at all levels in small flowers where could easily be passed off as a big moth or bumblebee (and vice versa). Male often perches on exposed thin twigs. Feeding flight notably slow and beelike, with tail held cocked to show off bold white rump band. Male has long wispy crest of black feathers and bright red bill. Female has boldly spotted underparts and white rump band.

POWERED BY MERLIN