This rare visitor from Mexico has a very long bill, several unique plumage characteristics and a unique flight style. Sexes similar. Upperparts are bronzy-green with white mottling on the lower back and rump. The head is marked with a bold white eyeline and malar stripe. The gorget is blackish near the chin, red on the lower throat, and often shows a pale scaly pattern. The underparts are gray with a greenish bronze “vest.” In flight, fluffy white patches are visible on the flanks. The upperside of the tail is bronze, banded in blackish. All but the center tail feathers have white tips on the inner webs only, a unique pattern among North American hummingbirds. Juveniles similar to adult, but lack red on gorget.

Length: 10 (cm) Wingspan: 13 (cm)

Habitat:

Desert scrub, deciduous forest, riparian corridors.

Behavior:

Flight consists of slow wingbeats interspersed with gliding. Spends much more time flycatching than visiting flowers.

Feeding:

Feeds on small insects and floral nectar.