About Colibri thalassinus (Swainson, 1827)
Species Overview
The Mexican violetear (Colibri thalassinus (Swainson, 1827)) is a medium-sized hummingbird.
Size Dimensions
Its total length averages 9.7 to 12 cm (3.8 to 4.7 in), and its wingspan measures 12 cm.
Bill Characteristics
It has a mostly straight black bill with a slight downward curve, which is 1.8 to 2.5 cm (0.71 to 0.98 in) long.
Mass and Appendage Measurements
Body mass ranges from 4.8 to 5.6 g (0.17 to 0.20 oz). Standard measurements note the wing chord is 5.8 to 6.8 cm (2.3 to 2.7 in) and the tail is 3.5 to 4.3 cm (1.4 to 1.7 in).
Upperpart and Neck Markings
Physically, the Mexican violetear is shining green on its upperparts, with a glittering violet ear-patch on the sides of its neck.
Underpart Coloration
Its throat, chest, and belly are all glittering shining green.
Tail Features
Its tail is metallic blue-green, with more bronzy central feathers and a prominent black subterminal band.
Breeding Range
The Mexican violetear breeds from the highlands of southern Mexico south to Nicaragua.
Nonbreeding Visitor Range
It is a rare but annual nonbreeding visitor to the United States, primarily found in southern and central Texas, with scattered records as far north as extreme southern Canada.
Andean Distribution
According to the IUCN, C. thalassinus can also be found across much of the montane areas of the northern Andes, stretching from Bolivia to Venezuela.
Typical Habitats
Common habitats for the Mexican violetear include the canopy and borders of subtropical and lower temperate forest, secondary woodland and scrub, and clearings and gardens in the subtropical zone.
Altitude Range
It is mostly recorded at altitudes between 1,200 to 2,300 m (3,900 to 7,500 ft), though it will sometimes wander as far down as 500 m (1,600 ft) to search for food.
Preferred Environment
It generally prefers more humid, high-altitude areas such as cloud forests.
