About Calothorax lucifer (Swainson, 1827)
Taxonomy and Common Name
Calothorax lucifer (Swainson, 1827), commonly called the lucifer sheartail, is a medium-sized hummingbird that measures 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) in total length.
General Morphology
This species has green body plumage, a long curved bill, small wings, and a distinct white streak behind the eye.
Male Plumage Characteristics
Males have iridescent plumage overall, a forked dark tail, a green crown, a long magenta gorget, and white underparts.
Female Plumage Characteristics
Females are larger than males, have duller plumage overall, a pale throat, and white or buff underside feathers that are usually edged with crimson trim.
Core Habitat Type
The lucifer sheartail inhabits deserts and arid areas that host agave plants.
Geographic Range
Its range extends across the southwestern United States, from southwest Texas and extreme southwestern New Mexico to southeastern Arizona, as well as central and northern Mexico.
Additional Distribution Sites
It can also be found in the Madrean sky islands at the northern end of Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental.
Altitude and Preferred Microhabitats
This species prefers habitats at altitudes between 3,500 and 5,500 feet (1,100 to 1,700 m), including canyons, mountain slopes, and dry washes that support desert shrubs and cacti.
Migratory Behavior
Lucifer sheartails migrate to central Mexico to spend the winter.
