White-crested Coquette
The White-crested Coquette is a tiny, jewel-like hummingbird found in humid montane forests from Costa Rica to northern Venezuela, with males adorned by a distinctive white crest, glittering green gorget with elongated feathers, and rufous-buff underparts, typically seen feeding at small flowers in the forest canopy and edges at middle to high elevations.
Lophornis adorabilis
Scientific Name
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Family
Apodiformes
Order
Range and Habitat of White-crested Coquette
Geographic Range
The White-crested Coquette is endemic to the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and extreme western Panama (Chiriquí Province).
Migratory Patterns
The White-crested Coquette shows seasonal movements following flower availability. Local movements occur between forest and edges depending on flowering patterns.
Preferred Habitat
This coquette inhabits humid forest edges and gaps, secondary growth with flowering shrubs and small trees, coffee and cacao plantations with shade trees and native plants, gardens adjacent to forest, and stream edges with appropriate flowers. It prefers areas with small flowers and avoids dense forest interior.
Altitude Range
The species occurs from sea level to 1,200 m elevation on the Pacific slope, most commonly between 50-900 m. Occasionally recorded up to 1,500 m during flowering events.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, the species occurs on the Pacific slope from Carara southward. It is found in the Central Pacific region including Carara National Park vicinity, Tárcoles Valley, and surrounding hills. The range extends through the Térraba Valley, Fila Costeña, Península de Osa including Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce region including Piedras Blancas National Park, and the San Vito/Wilson Botanical Garden area.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
This species is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama.
Major threats include deforestation and habitat fragmentation on the Pacific slope, conversion of shade coffee to sun coffee or other crops, pesticide use affecting insect prey populations, and climate change potentially affecting flowering phenology.
Conservation efforts
The White-crested Coquette is protected in several national parks including Carara and Corcovado.
Primary Threats
Major threats include deforestation and habitat fragmentation on the Pacific slope, conversion of shade coffee to sun coffee or other crops, pesticide use affecting insect prey populations, and climate change potentially affecting flowering phenology.
White-crested Coquette Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
OccasionalBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
One of the tiniest hummingbirds, measuring only 6.5-7.5 cm in total length. Males weigh 2.5-3.0 g while females weigh 2.3-2.8 g
Plumage
Adult males are spectacular with a distinctive white crest extending from the forehead, contrasting with the glossy green crown. The face shows a black mask through the eyes. Elongated cheek plumes are green with white tips, creating a distinctive ruff. Adult females lack the crest and cheek plumes, showing green upperparts, whitish underparts with green spots on the flanks, and a rufous tail with a dark subterminal band and white tips.
Distinctive Features
Males’ white crest and elongated cheek plumes are unique among Costa Rican hummingbirds.
Sexual Dimorphism
This species shows extreme sexual dimorphism. Males have elaborate ornamentation with crest and cheek plumes, while females are plain with spotted underparts.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- The White-crested Coquette feeds primarily on nectar from very small flowers that match its tiny bill, including various Psychotria species, small-flowered Inga species, Hamelia patens, Stachytarpheta species, and tiny composite flowers. Spider silk is taken for protein and nest construction.
Foraging Techniques
- This coquette employs trap-lining behavior, visiting the same flowers in regular sequences. Its tiny size allows it to exploit flowers too small for other hummingbirds. The bird often clings to flower clusters rather than hovering to save energy.
Feeding Times
- Peak feeding occurs in early morning from 6:00-8:30 and late afternoon from 15:30-17:30. The species must feed every 10-15 minutes due to extremely high metabolism. Activity reduces during rain and midday heat.
Behavior Patterns
White-crested Coquette
Social Structure
Males are generally solitary except at abundant flower sources. Females are solitary during nesting. The species rarely joins mixed hummingbird assemblages, possibly due to aggression from larger species.
Song and Vocalization
Males produce extremely high-pitched, thin chips and twitters, often beyond human hearing range. The song consists of rapid series of “tsi-tsi-tsi” notes from perches. Contact calls are soft “tip” or “chip” notes. No mechanical sounds are produced during displays unlike some other small hummingbirds.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Males perform elaborate displays showing off crest and cheek plumes. Display flights involve hovering in front of females with crest erected and cheek plumes spread. Pendulum flights occur in short arcs near females. Males rapidly rotate their heads to flash white crest in sunlight.
Territoriality
Males defend small display territories but not feeding territories. Females may defend nest sites but generally avoid confrontation. The species is subordinate to all other hummingbirds due to tiny size.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting White-crested Coquette
Key sites include
- Talari Mountain Lodge gardens near San Isidro
- Wilson Botanical Garden flowering shrubs
- Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and trails
- Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary
- Bosque del Río Tigre Lodge on Osa Peninsula
- Rancho Casa Grande near Sierpe
- Carara National Park edges,
- Gardens in the San Vito area
Best Time of the Year
Best viewing from December to April during breeding season when males are displaying. Early morning before 9:00 AM offers highest activity levels.
Common Behavior
This is one of Costa Rica’s most challenging hummingbirds to find. Look for tiny hummingbirds at small white or pink flowers low in vegetation. Males’ white crest catches sunlight and can help detection.
Recommended Gear
Essential equipment includes high-quality binoculars with excellent close focus, a camera with fast autofocus and good high-ISO performance.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs primarily from December to May during the dry season and early wet season when small flowers are most abundant. Peak activity appears to be February-April.
Nesting Sites
The tiny cup nest is among the smallest built by any bird, measuring only 2-2.5 cm in external diameter. It is constructed of plant down, spider silk, and sometimes animal hair, with the exterior decorated with lichens and moss bits. Nests are typically placed 1-5 meters high on thin horizontal twigs, often over or near water.
Clutch Size
2 tiny white eggs measuring approximately 8 x 5 mm
Incubation Period
14-16 days
Parental Care
The female alone builds the nest, incubates, and raises young. Chicks are fed regurgitated nectar and tiny insects every 15-25 minutes. Fledging occurs at 19-22 days. Post-fledging care continues for approximately one week.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
Males can erect and lower their crest instantly, using it like a semaphore signal. The species can hover in place for several minutes while feeding, unusual for such a tiny bird.
Cultural Significance
The scientific name “adorabilis” (adorable) reflects the bird’s appealing appearance. Local names like “copetito” (little crest) reference the distinctive male plumage. The species has become a target for specialized hummingbird tours. Indigenous peoples were aware of this tiny bird, calling it “star of the forest.”
Surprising Traits
The White-crested Coquette can fly backwards faster than forwards when escaping threats. Males’ cheek plumes can be independently moved for display purposes.
How do I identify this bird?
Males are unmistakable with their white crest and green cheek plumes with white tips – no other Costa Rican hummingbird has this combination. Females are tiny with spotted underparts and a white rump band. The extremely short bill and minute size distinguish both sexes from most other hummingbirds.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
Wilson Botanical Garden and Talari Mountain Lodge offer the best chances, particularly at flowering shrubs in gardens. The species is rare and local, requiring patience and often multiple visits.
Is it endangered?
Currently listed as Least Concern, but the restricted endemic range and ongoing habitat loss are concerning. The species is poorly studied and may be more threatened than current classification suggests. Protection of Pacific slope forests is crucial for its survival.