Rivoli’s Hummingbird

Rivoli’s Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens)

1. Taxonomy and Naming

• Common Name: Rivoli’s Hummingbird

• Scientific Name: Eugenes fulgens

• Taxonomic Hierarchy:

  • Order: Apodiformes

  • Family: Trochilidae

  • Genus: Eugenes

  • Species: fulgens

Note: Formerly known as the Magnificent Hummingbird, it was renamed to Rivoli’s Hummingbird after a taxonomic split distinguished it from the Talamanca Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) of Central America.

2. Physical Description

• Size:

  • Length: 11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in)

  • Wingspan: Approx. 17–18 cm (6.7–7.1 in)

  • Weight: 6–10 grams (0.21–0.35 oz)

• Key Features:

  • Males: Metallic green body, shimmering violet crown, and emerald throat

  • Females: Greenish above, grayish below, lacking iridescent crown and throat

  • Both sexes have a long, slightly decurved black bill

  • Among the largest hummingbirds in North America

• Illustrations/Photos:

  • Use Creative Commons or original images showing both male and female, emphasizing the iridescent crown in males

3. Range and Distribution

• Geographic Range:

  • Found in mountainous regions from the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) to northern Nicaragua

• Migration Patterns:

  • Altitudinal migrant in some areas, moving to lower elevations in colder months

  • In the U.S., generally a summer visitor; more permanent further south

4. Habitat

• Preferred Habitats:

  • Pine-oak forests, montane woodlands, cloud forests

  • Often found at forest edges and in canyons

• Ecological Niche:

  • Functions as a pollinator, especially for tubular flowers

  • Typically found at 1,500 to 3,000 meters (4,900–9,800 ft) elevation

5. Behavior

• Feeding Habits:

  • Feeds on nectar from flowering plants, often hovering while feeding

  • Consumes small insects and spiders for protein

  • Territorial; males defend rich nectar patches

• Breeding:

  • Nests built in trees or shrubs, often with moss and plant fibers

  • Clutch of 2 small white eggs

  • Breeding season typically late spring to summer in the U.S. range

• Other Notable Behaviors:

  • Capable of hovering and fast, darting flight

  • Males may display by flashing iridescent crown and throat

6. Voice

• Description of Calls/Songs:

  • Sharp “chik” or “tzip” calls

  • Males emit a series of high-pitched, metallic chips during courtship or while defending territory

• Audio Link (Free/CC):

  • Rivoli’s Hummingbird – Xeno-canto recordings

7. Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Least Concern

• Population Trends: Generally stable across range

• Threats:

  • Habitat degradation from logging, grazing, and development

  • Sensitive to changes in flowering plant availability and climate shifts

8. Quick Reference

• Similar Species:

  • Resembles the Talamanca Hummingbird (found in Costa Rica and Panama) and Blue-throated Mountain-gem

  • Distinguished by its violet crown and green throat (vs. blue throat or duller crowns in others)

• Indexing:

  • Alphabetical Index: Rivoli’s Hummingbird

  • Taxonomic Index:

    • Order: Apodiformes

    • Family: Trochilidae

    • Species: Eugenes fulgens