Xantus's Hummingbird
Basilinna xantusii
The Xantus's Hummingbird (Basilinna xantusii) is a rare hummingbird found in 3 countries, weighing about 3 g. Xantus's hummingbird, previously known as the black-fronted hummingbird, is a species in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae.
About the Xantus's Hummingbird
Xantus's hummingbird, previously known as the black-fronted hummingbird, is a species in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to the Baja California Peninsula.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Xantus's hummingbird is 8.5 to 9.5 cm (3.3 to 3.7 in) long. Males weigh an average of 3.5 g (0.12 oz) and females 3.4 g (0.12 oz). Their bills are straight and about 1.7 cm (0.67 in) long; males' are red with a black tip. Females' maxilla is black with a pinkish base and their mandible pinkish red with a black tip. Males have a golden green to emerald green crown, nape, and upperparts with rufous edging on the uppertail coverts. Their forehead and chin are black, their face mostly black with a wide white stripe behind the eye, and their throat iridescent emerald green. Voice: The male Xantus's hummingbird sings from within or under a bush, "a quiet, rough, gurgling warble, at times interspersed with rattles...and high, squeaky notes.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada, United States.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Xantus's Hummingbird?
- Xantus's hummingbird is 8.5 to 9.5 cm (3.3 to 3.7 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Xantus's Hummingbird?
- The Xantus's Hummingbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 3 g.
- Where can you see a Xantus's Hummingbird?
- The Xantus's Hummingbird occurs in 3 countries, including Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Xantus's Hummingbird?
- The Xantus's Hummingbird is most easily confused with the White-eared Hummingbird.
- Is the Xantus's Hummingbird endangered?
- The Xantus's Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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