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
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.
EBIRD BAR CHART & DISTRIBUTION MAP FOR COCHISE COUNTY
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