Reflections of the Natural World

Travel with me as I explore the wild things and wild places of our planet. – Jim Gain

Lucifer Hummingbird

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Jim Gain

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SE Arizona – Wings over Sky Islands Blog Post #3

With perhaps the greatest biological diversity in the entire US, many seasoned birders believe Southeast Arizona to be the top birding destination. Habitats range from the Desert Scrub at lower elevations to Riparian Oases and pine forests of the dramatic “sky islands.” The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about the natural history of these interesting winged creatures.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

Male @ Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Lucifer Hummingbird – Calothorax lucifer
Name roots: Gr. kalos beautiful; thōrax breastplate; L. lucifer light-bearing

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Lucifer Hummingbird is a medium-sized (3–4 g) hummingbird with a relatively long, decurved bill. Both sexes are iridescent green dorsally. The male has dull green forehead and large iridescent gorget reflecting purplish-rose or magenta, which tends to flare out at the bottom. The Lucifer Hummingbird breeds primarily on the arid plateau and mountain slopes of central and northern Mexico, barely entering the United States to breed in southeast Arizona.

Female @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary
Male @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary
Male @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary
Male @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary
Male @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary
Male @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary

EBIRD BAR CHART & DISTRIBUTION MAP FOR COCHISE COUNTY

MORE IMAGES

Male @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary
Male @ Ash Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary

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