Eugenes fulgens (Swainson, 1827)

Taxonomy and Naming

Rivoli's hummingbird, scientifically named Eugenes fulgens (Swainson, 1827), measures 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in) in length and weighs 6 to 10 g (0.21 to 0.35 oz), with males usually slightly larger than females.

Wingspan

It has a wingspan of 18 centimetres (7.1 in).

Size Comparison

Among hummingbird species found in the United States, Rivoli's hummingbird is one of the two largest, with only the blue-throated hummingbird matching its size.

Bill Characteristics

Its black bill is long, and ranges from straight to slightly decurved.

Plumage Iridescence

Both sexes appear very dark unless sunlight hits the plumage's iridescence, making bright colors visible in the light.

Breeding Plumage Timing

For most of the year, this species wears the "definitive basic" breeding plumage described below.

Molting Pattern

It has a protracted molt between this breeding plumage and a duller non-breeding plumage.

Intraspecific Variations

Minor clinal variations exist in bill length and the color of the vent area.

Adult Male Dorsal Plumage

Adult males are green-bronze on their dorsal side, with more bronzing on the black-tipped tail.

Adult Male Head and Throat Plumage

The crown is violet, the throat gorget is bright blue-green, and the rest of the head is black aside from a white spot behind the eye.

Adult Male Ventral Plumage

The chest is green-bronze, and the belly is grayish.

Adult Female Plumage

Females are bronze-green dorsally, with dull gray ventral coloring.

Adult Female Head Markings

They have a white stripe behind the eye.

Immature Plumage

Immature birds resemble females, but are darker and browner.

Breeding Range

This hummingbird breeds in mountain habitats from the southwestern United States to Honduras and Nicaragua.

Habitat Types

It lives in the interior, edges, and clearings of pine-oak forest and cloudforest from roughly 1,500 m (4,900 ft) up to the timberline, as well as in more open secondary forest and some grasslands.

Feeder Visitation

It regularly visits bird feeders.