Species Profile
Frilled Coquette
Lophornis magnificus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–5 years
Length
7.1–7.7 cm
Weight
2.3–2.8 g
Wingspan
8–10 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Magnificent Coquette
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Green
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Green
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Lacks the male's elaborate crest and throat feathers
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
Estimated: Not quantified, but this species is described as 'uncommon'[3]
Trend: Decreasing[2]
Elevation
Up to 1,100 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include small raptors, snakes, and larger insectivorous birds. Nests may be vulnerable to arboreal mammals and some larger bird species.
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
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.
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