Range

The Lucifer is mainly a species of northern and central Mexico and central Mexico. Rare in southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico. Very rare breeder in the Chisos Mountains of Texas.

Characteristics and Identification

Only hummingbird with a decurved, downward arching bill. Lucifer belongs to a group of hummingbird species called “sheartails,” named for their deeply forked, narrow tail. Male has a green crown, purple throat and long tail. Female is buff below, belly often whitish, and with a rounded tail.

The Lucifer hummingbird has some similarities in coloration with the Costa's and Black-chinned hummingbirds (see comparison photo below).