Hylocharis xantusii

Xantus's Hummingbird

Family: Trochilidae · Class: Aves · Order: Apodiformes

Xantus's Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird endemic to the Baja California Peninsula. Males measure approximately 90-95 mm (3.5-3.7 inches) in length with a wingspan of 120-130 mm (4.7-5.1 inches), while females are slightly smaller at 85-90 mm (3.3-3.5 inches). The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males display iridescent emerald-green upperparts and crown, with a distinctive white postocular stripe extending behind the eye. The throat and upper breast are brilliant metallic green, transitioning to grayish-white underparts. A prominent white rump band contrasts with the dark tail. Females lack the metallic throat coloration, instead showing grayish-white underparts with green flanks and the characteristic white postocular stripe and rump band. Xantus's Hummingbird has an extremely restricted range, occurring only in Baja California, Mexico, and Baja California Sur. The species is considered a vagrant to Southern California, with sporadic records documented in San Diego County and occasionally north to Orange and Ventura counties. Most California sightings occur during winter months, typically from October through March, when some individuals may wander north from their breeding range. The species inhabits arid and semi-arid scrublands, desert washes, and oak woodlands of the Baja Peninsula. In their native range, they occupy elevations from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), favoring areas with flowering shrubs and trees. Key vegetation associations include coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and pine-oak woodlands. During vagrant appearances in California, individuals are typically found in coastal areas with similar habitat characteristics, particularly areas with abundant flowering plants. Xantus's Hummingbird feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, including agaves, salvias, and chuparosas. The species supplements its diet with small arthropods captured through hawking and gleaning behaviors. Breeding occurs from March through July in their native range, with females constructing small cup nests on horizontal branches or in fork crotches of shrubs and small trees. Clutch size consists of two white eggs measuring approximately 12-13 mm in length. Incubation lasts 14-16 days, with fledging occurring after 20-23 days. The conservation status of Xantus's Hummingbird reflects its limited range and specific habitat requirements. While not federally or state listed in the United States due to its vagrant status, the species faces potential threats from habitat degradation and climate change within its core Mexican range. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the species as Least Concern, though population trends remain poorly documented. In California, the species is considered a casual visitor with no established breeding population. Habitat preservation in Baja California remains crucial for maintaining stable populations of this range-restricted endemic species.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.