Frilled Coquette

Least Concern

Lophornis magnificus

One of the world's tiniest hummingbirds, this vibrant bird can be found showing off its copper-coloured fan of feathers whenever it spots a potential mate.

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

Colours

Primary Colour

Green White

Secondary Colour

Red Black

Beak Colour

Black Red

Leg Colour

Black

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

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Resident

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 95
Strength 15
Adaptability 70
Aggressiveness 80
Endurance 85

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years
0
2
4
5
7

years

The Frilled Coquette typically lives for 3 to 5 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but this species is described as 'uncommon' [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

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

Other names:

Magnificent Coquette

Family:

Trochilidae

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?

  1. The Frilled Coquette is one of the smallest hummingbirds in the world.
  2. Their heart rate can exceed 1,200 beats per minute during flight.
  3. They can fly backwards and upside down, a unique ability among birds.

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References

  1. 1 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Lophornis magnificus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22687190A263986366.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 1996: Stotz et al.