This hummingbird is recognized by its long decurved bill and long tail. Though fairly small overall, this species appears proportionally large-headed and long-necked. Male: Upperparts are green. The black tail is deeply forked, but is usually folded to a sharp point on perched birds. The gorget is reddish-purple and elongated on the sides. The white of the upper breast extends up to the sides of the neck, meeting the pale eye line. Sides and lower breast washed with green, turning buffy on the flanks. Female: Golden-green above, whitish below with extensive buffy wash over breast and face. A dusky cheek patch is bordered by the buffy supercilium. The throat is usually unmarked whitish. The central tail feathers are green, while the outer pairs have rufous bases, black bands, and white tips. The female’s tail is squared, but still extends beyond the wingtips on perched birds. Juveniles resemble adult female. Young males show purple spotting on gorget. Young females have more white on the tail.

Length: 9 (cm) Wingspan: 11 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a dry chip, often doubled. During display flight, males produce a rapid rattle, similar to a deck of cards being shuffled.

Habitat:

Desert scrub.

Behavior:

Male's display involves a series of lateral archs in front of nesting female, followed by a steep climb, a power dive, and a swerving flight away from the female with tail spread.

Feeding:

Feeds on floral nectar and small insects.