AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Lophornis adorabilis
White-crested Coquette
Salvin, 1870
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tiny and extraordinarily ornate hummingbird. The species is characterized by its miniature size, short straight red bill with a black tip, and bronzy green upperparts split by a prominent white band across the lower back.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Apodiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Trochilidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Lophornis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Salvin, 1870
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits the humid forest interiors, forest edges, tall secondary growth forests, hedgerows, and semi-open gardens with abundant flowering trees and shrubs, mostly restricted to the Pacific slopes.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active during daylight hours, feeding mostly in the canopy but descending to shrubs at edges. They forage using trap-lining or defending small territories, creating a soft liquid 'tseping' sound while feeding.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Largely solitary outside the breeding window. Subordinate to larger, dominant hummingbird species, often requiring them to feed quietly on the periphery of rich nectar sources.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Diurnal nectarivore and insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Consumes nectar from flowering trees (e.g., Inga, Calliandra) and mistletoes, alongside small arthropods. Preyed upon by larger birds, raptors, climbing snakes, and occasionally large mantises.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Breeds between December and February. Males perform elaborate courtship flights, arcing side-to-side in front of a perched female. Females build a tiny cup nest made of plant down and cobwebs, decorated with lichen.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.0 - 8.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 3 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
21 - 22
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males feature a spectacular, erect white crest, coppery-bronze forehead, glittering green throat, and white cheek tufts with long wispy plumes stretching backward.
Females Multi-lang
Females completely lack the white crest and facial plumes, displaying a dusky bronze forehead and a plain white throat heavily speckled with bronzy-green.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a highly specialized, rapid wing-beat system that allows hovering precision to extract nectar from tiny flowers and hawking small insects mid-air.
Developed a light weight and agile frame, minimizing energy requirements during its continuous hovering flights through dense foliage.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation and widespread deforestation on the Pacific slope within its limited range, reducing availability of native nesting and feeding trees.
Climate change altering flowering phenology and seasonal nectar yields, creating structural energy gaps for such a high-metabolism bird.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The species appears to be somewhat nomadic or altitudinal wanderers, showing up in large numbers where specific canopy trees are blooming and completely vanishing once flowering ends.