The White-eared Hummingbird is one of the many species of hummers you will find on a hike in Madera Canyon of the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. If you are a hummingbird fanatic, this is the hot spot of southern Arizona for hummingbird species.
The White-eared Hummingbird does indeed have white above the ears, but the body is what will catch your attention. A medium hummingbird in size, their iridescent green body and throat is set off by a striking violet head. They wear a black mask with the white above the eye toward the ears. The stomach is also white. They have a red beak with black on the end.
The White-eared Hummingbird is a nectar feeder, preferring the sweet liquid over insects. The eggs are an extraordinary tiny one half inch in length, and are usually laid only as pairs.
Reference: The Nature of Madera Canyon by Douglas W. Moore, Friends of Madera, 1999; whatbird.com
Comments