White-eared Hummingbird

White-eared Hummingbird
Early in the year male White-eared Hummingbirds establish individual feeding territories. As the breeding season approaches, several males gather in an area where they court vigorously. Females with a nest visit these groups and return to their nesting area with a male. These are birds of high tropical mountains, and are rare breeders in the US.

Physical Description
Average weight: male 3.6 g, female 3.2 g.

Plumage
Adult male: Emerald green back and breast, purple crown, iridescent blue-green chin, prominent white ear stripe, red bill with black tip.
Adult female: Green back and crown, white breast and sides with green streaks, prominent white ear stripe, red bill with black tip.

Distribution
Observed in Arizona, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Winters in mountains of Mexico.