Lucifer Hummingbird - Ross Feldner Not a devil, but devilishly good looking, this tiny bird also known as the Lucifer Sheartail, can be found in southern Arizona, west Texas and New Mexico. It has dramatic, flaring purple throat feathers and a glistening green body. It’s a member of the hummingbird species called “sheartails,” which refers to their narrow, deeply forked tail. Lucifer Hummingbirds live in arid areas preferring altitudes of 3,500-5,500 feet mainly living on mountain slopes, in canyons and along dry washes that have desert shrubs and cacti. They feed on agave and desert flowers nectar, as well as small insects and spiders, using the typical hummingbird flight style. They hover for nectar, catch insects in flight and fly in a straight line to specific food destinations. During courting, the male will hover high above the female and then dive with its windg or tail making a snapping sound. It will repeat this display, which lasts around 30 seconds, several times per hour. Females build the nest on desert shrubs or cacti on steep, dry, rocky slopes, usually 2–10 feet above ground and often on top of a previous nest. The nest is a small cup made of plant fiber and spider webs lined with plant down. | |
