ID Keys: Obvious white stripe behind eye, short reddish bill with
black tip, green upperparts, males deep purple throat and crown
The
White-eared Hummingbird is a hummingbird of Mexico and central America, with
occasional strays to southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and west Texas.
Vagrants have also occurred at scattered other locations in the United
States. White-eared Hummingbirds seem to tolerate each other's
presence more than many hummingbirds, with prime nesting locations often
holding multiple nests in relatively close proximity.
Habitat
White-eared Hummingbirds are typically
found in pine and pine-oak forests in their Mexican and Central American
range. Those found in the United States are typically found in wooded
riparian zones in canyons.
Diet
Typical diet of hummingbirds, primarily
nectar, but insects also comprise a portion of the diet.
Behavior
White-eared Hummingbirds are subordinate
to many other species, and often don't establish and defend feeding
territories. While nests can occur in close proximity to each other,
at other times of the year, they are mostly solitary.
Nesting
Females alone build the nest, using plant
fibers and spider webs, and camouflaging the outside with lichens. The
female also incubates the eggs and raises the young.
Song
Males' song composed of a series of high
chip with choppy rattling interspersed. Calls during chase are
five crisp chip calls in rapid succession.
Migration
White-eared Hummingbirds are generally
permanent residents throughout their range. Local movements are made
in accordance with availability of preferred flowering plants, but true
migration is typically not observed with the species. However, birds
found in the United States are typically only found during the summer
months, and some birds in the far northern part of their Mexican range may
move short distances south in the fall.
