White-eared Hummingbird

Overview

The White-eared Hummingbird is a small, active species of pine-oak and montane forest edges found chiefly in Mexico and Central America, with a limited presence in the mountains of the southwestern United States. Its bold facial pattern makes it one of the more readily identifiable hummingbirds within its range.

Males show a striking combination of a violet-blue crown, green gorget, and red bill, but the broad white stripe running back from behind the eye is present in both sexes and serves as the most reliable field mark.

Feather ID Notes

The white ear stripe is the standout feature, a thick, well-defined band of white feathers running horizontally behind the eye on an otherwise dark face. Males further show a violet-blue crown and green throat, while the tail is dark and slightly notched.

• Facial feathers: bold white stripe behind the eye, present in both sexes
• Crown feathers (male): violet-blue, iridescent
• Throat feathers (male): green, glittering
• Bill: red with a black tip The white ear stripe alone is usually sufficient to separate this species from other small hummingbirds in its range, even on duller-plumaged females.

Plumage Details

Adult males show the full combination of violet crown, green gorget, and white ear stripe. Females lack the violet crown and green throat, appearing green above and pale below with dark throat spotting, but they retain the diagnostic white ear stripe. Juveniles resemble females. Plumage is stable through the year with an annual molt.

Habitat & Range

This species occupies pine-oak forest, forest edge, and montane scrub, generally at moderate to high elevations from the mountains of the southwestern United States south through much of Mexico and into Central America. Northernmost populations may shift to lower elevations or move south outside the breeding season.

Behavior & Field Notes

White-eared Hummingbirds forage for nectar at a variety of montane flowering plants and take small insects, often foraging low in understory vegetation as well as in the canopy. Males can be territorial and vocal near good nectar sources. Nests are small cups built on slender branches, often well concealed in foliage. Calls include sharp, metallic chip notes.