Fauna
Bird

Xantus's Hummingbird

Basilinna xantusii

Also 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
Xantus's Hummingbird reference1 / 7
(c) Bill Levine, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bill Levine · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlower 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
Classification
  1. FamilyTrochilidae
  2. SpeciesBasilinna xantusii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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