Bird · GBIF taxon 2476825
Xantus's Hummingbird
Basilinna xantusiiAlso known as Black-Fronted Hummingbird
Xantus's Hummingbirds dart through the arid canyons and oak-pine woodlands of Baja California, easily recognized by their straight red bills, bright white eye-stripes, and warm cinnamon underparts. Males display bold green crowns with dark faces, defending flowering territories around agaves, ocotillos, and madrone blossoms with energetic aerial stoops and high-pitched chattering. Females construct compact cup nests woven from plant down, spider webs, and bark flakes, often sheltered on branches overhanging dry washes.
EndemicNectar-FeederDesert
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Gnats
- Spiders
Predators
- American Kestrels
- Greater Roadrunners
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat loss, severe drought, climate change
HabitatsArid canyons, oak-pine woodlands, desert scrubland, gardens
Life span3–6 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTrochilidae
- SpeciesBasilinna xantusii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Feeder Placement: Hang sugar-water feeders near native flowering plants to attract resident birds.
- Observation Distance: Stay quiet and still near flowering agaves or ocotillos for close views.
- Vocalization Cues: Listen for distinct metallic chipping calls along desert washes to locate perches.
Desert Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Irene · cc0
Co-occurring Hummingbird Robert McMorran, United States Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Amado Demesa, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Amado Demesa · cc-by-sa
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