Frilled Coquette
Lophornis magnificus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Frilled Coquette is a tiny hummingbird with striking features. Males display a brilliant green body, white rump, and a distinctive crest of reddish-brown feathers. Their throat is adorned with fan-shaped white feathers edged with metallic green, with reddish-brown bases.
Females are less ornate, lacking the crest and elaborate throat feathers. They have a green back, pale underparts, and a tail that's dark bronze with reddish-brown tips. Both sexes have a short, straight bill that's red with a black tip.
Size
Length
7.1cm to 7.7cm
Wingspan
8cm to 10cm
Weight
2.3g to 2.8g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Frilled Coquettes are native to eastern Brazil, inhabiting the Atlantic Forest biome. They are typically found in humid forests, woodland edges, and occasionally in gardens or parks with abundant flowering plants.
These hummingbirds are non-migratory, maintaining a year-round presence in their range.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,100 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Frilled Coquette. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Frilled Coquette demonstrates exceptional agility with its ability to hover precisely, fly backwards, and manoeuvre upside down to reach nectar. Their tiny size and remarkable flight control make them amongst the most agile of all birds.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst capable of defending territories and performing aerial displays, their diminutive size (2.3-2.8g) limits their absolute strength. However, relative to body size, they possess sufficient strength for their lifestyle needs.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These hummingbirds show good adaptability by utilising various habitats from humid forests to gardens, and can feed from different flower species. However, their specialised feeding requirements and sensitivity to habitat loss somewhat limit their overall adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Despite their tiny size, Frilled Coquettes are notably aggressive and territorial, fiercely defending their feeding areas from other hummingbirds. Males particularly display high aggression during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their high-energy lifestyle, including constant hovering flight and heart rates exceeding 1,200 beats per minute, demonstrates remarkable endurance. They maintain intensive activity throughout the day, though they must feed frequently to sustain this energy output.
Diet
Frilled Coquettes primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, showing a preference for tubular flowers.
They supplement their diet with small insects and spiders, which they catch in mid-air or glean from leaves, providing essential protein for their high-energy lifestyle.
Behaviour
Frilled Coquettes are solitary and highly territorial, fiercely defending their feeding areas from other hummingbirds. They hover with remarkable precision while feeding, often hanging upside down to reach nectar in tubular flowers.
During courtship, males perform elaborate aerial displays, showcasing their crest and throat feathers.
Vocalisation
Frilled Coquettes are generally quiet, but they produce a series of high-pitched, metallic 'tsip' or 'tik' sounds.
During territorial disputes or courtship, males may emit a rapid series of these calls, creating a buzzing effect. Their wingbeats also produce a distinctive humming sound, typical of hummingbirds.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs primarily during the rainy season, typically from November to March. Males establish territories and perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females but do not participate in nesting or chick-rearing.
Females construct tiny cup-shaped nests using plant fibres and spider silk, often decorated with lichen on the exterior. The nests are usually placed on thin horizontal branches, well-concealed by foliage.
A clutch typically consists of two white eggs, which the female incubates for about 14-16 days. The chicks fledge after approximately 20-22 days but may continue to receive care from the mother for a short period after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, the Frilled Coquette faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation in its range.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining forest habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices in areas where these hummingbirds occur.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them near flowering plants in forest edges and clearings
- Listen for their high-pitched, metallic 'tsip' calls
- Observe their distinctive hovering behaviour, often at unusual angles
- Watch for the male's elaborate courtship displays during breeding season
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include small raptors, snakes, and larger insectivorous birds. Nests may be vulnerable to arboreal mammals and some larger bird species.
Did You Know?
- The Frilled Coquette is one of the smallest hummingbirds in the world.
- Their heart rate can exceed 1,200 beats per minute during flight.
- They can fly backwards and upside down, a unique ability among birds.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Lophornis magnificus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22687190A263986366.
View source - 2
report, 1996: Stotz et al.
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