The Frilled Coquette is a captivating hummingbird recognized for its vivid appearance. This small bird is a true natural marvel with a bright orange crest, a delicate collar of white and green feathers, and a red beak tipped in black.
Found primarily in eastern and southern Brazil, the Frilled Coquette’s range extends into Bolivia and Paraguay, with occasional sightings in northern regions like Alagoas.
It thrives in semi-open and open habitats, such as the edges of humid forests, secondary forests, coffee plantations, gardens, and dense forests. These birds are typically seen from sea level up to altitudes of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
The Frilled Coquette feeds on small arthropods and nectar from various flowering plants. It often perches 2 to 5 meters (7 to 20 feet) above the ground, capturing insects while allowing larger hummingbirds to take the lead in feeding.
Breeding season runs from August to March, during which females build small, cup-shaped nests from plants down and moss, decorating them with lichens. The female incubates the eggs for about 12 to 13 days, and the chicks fledge roughly 20 days after hatching.
Although the Frilled Coquette is usually silent, it makes a brief “spark” sound while feeding, accompanied by a low, buzzing hum resembling a bee as it hovers mid-air.
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