Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, nature unfolds its wonders around every corner. Vibrant flora paints the landscape, and the symphony of the rainforest fills the air. Today, we turn our focus to a dazzling jewel that flits amongst the leaves – the Black-Crested Coquette.

This tiny hummingbird, a mere 6.3 to 7.7 cm (2.5 to 3.0 in) in length, is a resident of the subtropical and tropical moist forests that blanket our mountain slopes. While you might encounter them in the lowlands as well, these little dynamos particularly thrive in the cooler, higher elevations.

The Black-Crested Coquette is a member of the “coquettes” tribe, known for their dazzling plumage and aerial acrobatics. The males, the true stars of the show, sport a breathtaking combination of colors. Their crown shimmers with a dark metallic green, accented by a wispy, greenish-black crest that adds a touch of drama. The back and nape boast a mesmerizing metallic bronze-green sheen, separated from the sooty black rump by a crisp white band.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Their underparts are a kaleidoscope of color as well. The chin and upper throat gleam with a metallic yellowish-green, sharply contrasting with a velvety black band below. The outer tail feathers are a fiery cinnamon rufous, adding a dash of warmth to their overall appearance.

These little bundles of energy are marvels of flight. Their wings beat at an astounding pace, allowing them to hover mid-air as they sip nectar from flowering plants. Their diet consists almost entirely of nectar, making them vital pollinators for the rainforest ecosystem.

While the males are the flashier of the two sexes, the females are no slouches in the beauty department. They lack the crest and vibrant colors of the males, but their plumage is a lovely combination of metallic green and rufous tones, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the foliage.

Spotting a Black-Crested Coquette:

These hummingbirds are relatively common in their preferred habitat, but their small size and quick movements can make them challenging to spot. Here are some tips to increase your chances of encountering one:

• Keep an eye out for flowering plants: Heliconias, gingers, and bromeliads are some of their favorite food sources.
• Listen for their buzzing: The rapid beating of their wings produces a characteristic buzzing sound that can help you locate them.
• Be patient and still: Hummingbirds are skittish creatures. Avoid making sudden movements and observe your surroundings patiently.

A Tiny Treasure in the Cloud Forest:

The Black-Crested Coquette is a dazzling emblem of the biodiversity that thrives in Costa Rica’s mountain cloud forests. Their presence adds a touch of magic to our mountain retreat, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. So, the next time you’re here, keep an eye out for this tiny ambassador of the rainforest, and be mesmerized by its dazzling display of color and aerial prowess.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica