About Calothorax lucifer (Swainson, 1827)
Calothorax lucifer (Swainson, 1827), commonly called the lucifer sheartail, is a medium-sized hummingbird that measures 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) in total length. This species has green body plumage, a long curved bill, small wings, and a distinct white streak behind the eye. Males have iridescent plumage overall, a forked dark tail, a green crown, a long magenta gorget, and white underparts. Females are larger than males, have duller plumage overall, a pale throat, and white or buff underside feathers that are usually edged with crimson trim. The lucifer sheartail inhabits deserts and arid areas that host agave plants. Its range extends across the southwestern United States, from southwest Texas and extreme southwestern New Mexico to southeastern Arizona, as well as central and northern Mexico. It can also be found in the Madrean sky islands at the northern end of Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental. This species prefers habitats at altitudes between 3,500 and 5,500 feet (1,100 to 1,700 m), including canyons, mountain slopes, and dry washes that support desert shrubs and cacti. Lucifer sheartails migrate to central Mexico to spend the winter.
