Violet Crowned Hummingbird: Everything To Know

violet crowned hummingbird

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The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is one of the most beautiful species of hummingbird found in North America. It’s known for its vibrant violet and green feathers that are highlighted by a white belly and a striking head crest. But beyond its stunning appearance, this tiny bird has an impressive set of behaviors and characteristics that make it one of the most interesting species to observe. Let’s take a closer look at why this remarkable hummingbird is such an important part of the ecosystem.

Appearance

violet crowned hummingbird

The violet-crowned hummingbird is one of the larger hummingbirds around. The length of their body typically falls between 3 to 4 inches, with an average wingspan of 4 inches. They have metallic green feathers that adorn their black tip and head, with white feathers on their throat and chest.

Males have a stunning violet crown that gives them their name; females have white stripes instead of a violet crown. Spider webs and other similar materials are often mixed into the hummingbird’s nest to help them maintain its shape. It is the only hummingbird in US /Canada to have a white belly.

Read More: How To Hand Feed Hummingbirds

Feeding Habits

The Violet-crowned hummingbird is mostly a nectar feeder and can be seen through the summer season hovering around flowers to get their fix of sweet nectars. They are also adept flycatchers, catching small insects while in flight. The bird will sometimes perch on twigs or branches while they hunt for food in the air, making them easier to spot than some other species.

Plant fibers like cotton or plant down also play a part in their diet, which they use as an additional source of protein. Arizona sycamore trees are the preferred habitat of this species, as they have an abundance of sycamore blossoms. Other hummingbirds may join the species to feed off of these resources.

Habitat & Migration Patterns

violet crowned hummingbird

The violet-Crowned hummingbird prefers woodlands or shrubs for their habitat but can be found almost anywhere there is plenty of food and water available for them to survive. During the summer months (May to September) they select higher elevation areas such as mountain slopes or mesas – but during late fall through spring you can find them closer to sea level around semi-desert habitats or coastal regions like Southern California or Texas. During late summer they migrate southward into southwestern New Mexico where they can spend up to 8 months at lower elevations before returning northward again in early spring.

Diet

The diet of the Violet-crowned Hummingbird consists mainly of insects and spiders. They also feed on nectar from flowers like columbines and cacti blooms. This species also has a unique behavior called “traplining” which involves visiting several flowers in rapid succession before returning to their original flower patch. This allows them to quickly find food sources without expending too much energy searching for them.

Read More: Bumblebee Hummingbird: Everything To Know

Lifespan Of  Violet-Crowned Hummingbird

The average life span of a Violet-crowned Hummingbird is around 6 to 8 years. However, they have been known to live up to 10 years in captivity. Conservation Status & ThreatsViolet-crowned hummingbirds are currently listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to their large range and population numbers.

They are not globally threatened by habitat destruction or climate change yet; however, some localized populations may be affected. The biggest threat these birds face is human interference and development, so it’s important for us all to do our part to protect their natural habitats. ConclusionThe beautiful, vibrant violet-crowned

Tips To Make Hummingbird Feeders

violet crowned hummingbird

Hummingbirds are attracted to the vibrant colors of red and orange. When making a hummingbird feeder, look for a clear plastic container with two parts; one for the sugar solution and one for the perches. Fill the sugar solution part with four parts water and one part sugar.

Place several small perches around it so that birds can easily rest while feeding. Hang your feeder in an area that gets plenty of sun during daytime hours and is not exposed to strong winds or rain. Make sure you keep your feeder clean by scrubbing it weekly with warm, soapy water – this will help ensure your birds stay healthy.

Read More: Broad-Tailed Hummingbird: Everything To Know

10 Fun Facts About Violet-Crowned Hummingbirds

Let’s take a closer look at one of the most beautiful and unique birds in the world—the Violet-crowned Hummingbird. This tiny, vibrant bird has some fascinating features that make it stand out from its fellow hummingbirds. Here are 10 fun facts about this remarkable creature!

1. The male Violet-crowned Hummingbird has a stunning iridescent violet crown, which is how it got its name. Females have a white crown with greenish spots instead.

2. Both males and females have bright green throats with white spots, as well as white chests with black streaks on their wings.

3. They weigh around 3 grams—about the same weight as a penny!

4. They measure around 4 inches long from beak to tail, making them one of the smallest species of hummingbirds in North America.

5. The average lifespan for a Violet-crowned Hummingbird is between 5 and 8 years, but some can live up to 12 years in captivity.

6. Their wings beat an incredible 80 times per second when flying at full speed!

7. They have an excellent vision that helps them find food and navigate their environment.

Read More: When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Oklahoma?

Facts About The Violet-Crowned Hummingbird’s Behavior

8. These hummingbirds are solitary creatures and they don’t like to share their feeding grounds with other birds; they prefer to feed alone or in pairs during the breeding season.

9. They migrate south each winter and return northward again when spring arrives; however, some may remain year-round if the climate is mild enough for them to survive without migrating.

10. They feed mainly on nectar from flowers but also eat small insects such as gnats, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and spiders for protein; they also occasionally eat tree sap or honeydew from plants and flowering trees.

Read More: When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Maryland?

Conclusion

The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is a beautiful and fascinating bird. From their vibrant colors to their amazing flying capabilities, they truly are incredible creatures. We hope you enjoyed learning about these little birds and the important role they play in our environment. With proper care and conservation efforts, we can help ensure that these tiny hummingbirds continue to thrive for many generations.

Dawn Caffrey

Dawn Caffrey

Hummingbirds just make me happy - in fact, I read somewhere that they represent happiness in Native American totems.
Let me tell you what I found about feeders from treating the hummingbirds in my back yard.

About Me

Hummingbirds just make me happy – in fact, I read somewhere that they represent happiness in Native American totems.
Let me tell you what I found about feeders from treating the hummingbirds in my back yard.

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