White-eared Hummingbird

Basic Description

The White-eared Hummingbird stands out from other hummingbirds in its area with its gleaming white “ear stripe” set off against an all-dark head. When sunlight hits just right, adult males are suddenly transformed, revealing a glowing violet face and a glittering green throat. Females and immature males share the dark-and-white head pattern but lack adult males’ iridescence. This medium-sized hummingbird inhabits mountain forests, foraging low in clearings in search of nectar. Its main range stretches from Nicaragua to northern Mexico, and it visits southeastern Arizona in small numbers.