The Lucifer sheartail hummingbird (Calypte lucifer) is a small yet vibrantly colored hummingbird found in western North America. With its iridescent purple crown and throat, emerald green back, and long forked tail, this species is aptly named after Lucifer, meaning “light bearer” in Latin.
Range and Habitat
The Lucifer sheartail has a relatively small range, breeding only in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its breeding range extends from southern California and Arizona south through Baja California and mainland Mexico. Some individuals migrate short distances seasonally, while others are year-round residents within their breeding range.
This species occupies a variety of arid and semi-arid habitats including desert scrub, chaparral, and pine-oak woodlands. It is often found in canyons and along rocky outcrops where flowering plants and nesting sites are available. The Lucifer sheartail has adapted to live around humans and can be spotted in gardens, parks, and other urban areas.
Description
Reaching only 3-4 inches in length and weighing 2-3 grams, the Lucifer sheartail is one of the smaller hummingbird species in North America. As its name suggests, the males have distinctive long, forked tail feathers that can measure over an inch in length. These specialized feathers produce a “shearing” sound during flight as air rushes through them.
The most striking feature of the Lucifer sheartail is the iridescent purple crown and gorget (throat feathers). When the light hits them just right, these feathers shine brightly. The upperparts are emerald green in color while the underparts are grayish-white. The female Lucifer sheartail is similar in appearance but has lighter throat feathers and slightly shorter tail streamers.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, the Lucifer sheartail feeds on nectar from flowers. Its long bill and tongue are perfectly adapted for accessing nectar from a variety of blooms. Some native plants favored by this species include ocotillo, penstemon, aloe, and various sagebrush and cactus flowers. The Lucifer sheartail uses its forked tail and rapid wing beats to adeptly hover in midair while feeding.
This hummingbird supplements its diet with small insects including spiders, aphids, and ants. The protein gained from eating insects provides important nutrition and allows the Lucifer sheartail to breed successfully. To capture insect prey, the birds often glean along branches or snatch bugs out of the air during flight.
Unique Adaptations
The small size and unique adaptations of the Lucifer sheartail allow it thrive in the harsh desert environments of the southwest. Their lightweight yet sturdy skeleton and rapid metabolism are perfectly suited for sustained hovering and flight. They are able to flap their wings up to 70 times per second, giving them great aerial agility.
Sheartail hummingbirds also have the ability to enter a state of torpor, lowering their metabolic rate and body temperature at night to conserve energy when food sources are limited. This helps them survive through colder desert nights.
Reproduction and Behavior
Male Lucifer sheartails are highly territorial and use their iridescent colors to attract females and defend breeding areas. Males perform elaborate aerial courtship displays, flying in loops and dives to show off their vibrant plumage and tail feathers. Once paired, the female constructs a small cup-shaped nest out of spider webs, feathers, and plant fibers.
The nest is typically placed along a rocky ledge, in a tree cavity, or within dense vegetation. The female lays just two tiny white eggs and incubates them for 14-19 days. She cares for the nestlings alone, sheltering them under her wings and feeding them regurgitated insects. The young fledge the nest at 18-25 days old. Lucifer sheartails may raise 2-3 broods per year.
Status and Threats
While Lucifer sheartail populations are generally stable, they do face some threats across their range. Residential and commercial development has reduced habitat and flower availability in some areas. Climate change and drought may also impact this desert-adapted species. Lucifer sheartails are victims of window collisions as they attempt to feed from flower gardens near human structures. Outdoor cats take a heavy toll on hummingbirds as well. Providing native plant gardens and keeping cats indoors can help reduce these hazards.
How to Spot Lucifer Sheartails
The best times to observe Lucifer sheartails are during spring and summer when blooming plants provide plenty of food sources. Look for them perching on branches or hovering beside flowering aloe, ocotillo, sage, and other desert plants. Listen for the male’s buzzing display dives and the shearing sound of his tail feathers. With some patience, observers can watch and enjoy the energetic antics of these shining desert jewels.
The diminutive yet dazzling Lucifer sheartail is a unique southwestern hummingbird adapted to thrive in harsh desert environments. Despite its small size, this species exhibits remarkable strength and stamina in order to survive. Providing protected habitats and native flowering plants will help ensure the continued success of the Lucifer sheartail across its limited range. With their vibrant iridescence and acrobatic movements, these tenacious hummingbirds bring beauty and wonder to the arid landscapes they call home.