The Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer) is a small, striking hummingbird found primarily in northwest Mexico and the southwest United States. This hummingbird gets its name from the adult male’s gorgeous, shimmering purple throat that gleams in bright light.
While a sighting of these tiny birds brings delight to avid birdwatchers, there are concerns about the future of the species. Development, climate change, and other factors may be putting pressure on Lucifer Hummingbird populations. So an important question arises: is the Lucifer Hummingbird endangered?
Overview of the Lucifer Hummingbird
The Lucifer Hummingbird is a tiny bird, measuring just 3-4 inches long with a wingspan of 4 inches, and weighing 2-3 grams. As mentioned, the adult male has an iridescent purple throat that appears to glow. The female and young Lucifers lack the bright purple throat and are more modestly colored grey-green on the head and back with a pale belly.
These agile flyers beat their wings up to 75 times per second, allowing them to hover in place or swiftly dart from flower to flower. Lucifers have specially adapted tongues to lap up nectar, comprising the majority of their diet. They also eat small insects for protein.
Lucifer Hummingbirds are migratory, breeding primarily in the oak-pine forests and canyon woodlands of southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico and western Mexico. They migrate further south to spend the winter along Mexico’s western coast. Their natural habitat is hot, dry areas filled with flowering plants and shrubs.
Population and Conservation Status
The Lucifer Hummingbird has a relatively small global population estimated between 120,000 to 200,000 mature individuals. However, their numbers are believed to be stable currently and not undergoing any extreme declines.
The IUCN Red List categorizes the Lucifer Hummingbird as a species of Least Concern. The Lucifer is also not listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. At this time, Lucifer Hummingbird populations appear to be steady enough that the species does not warrant threatened or endangered status.
However, experts note that due to their small overall numbers and limited range, Lucifer Hummingbirds are a species that needs to be continually monitored. Environmental changes or new threats could easily put greater pressure on this species in the future.
Threats and Environmental Pressures
Although not currently at high risk of extinction, there are some threats and challenges facing the Lucifer Hummingbird that conservationists keep an eye on:
Habitat loss
Development in the Southwest United States and northwest Mexico has led to some destruction and fragmentation of the Lucifer’s specialized arid habitat. Expanding human activity in the region puts pressure on the scarce water resources and flowering plants the birds rely on. Lucifers are highly dependent on specific habitat features and are slow to recolonize areas where native vegetation has been removed.
Climate change
Climate models predict increasing temperatures, diminished rainfall, and reduced humidity for much of the Lucifer’s range. Hotter, drier conditions could reduce food availability and quality. The precise impacts of climate change are difficult to predict but likely will add stress to both breeding and wintering habitats.
Wildfires
Higher temperatures and drought conditions associated with climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the Southwest. Severe wildfires can scorch flowers and alter the desert scrub habitat where Lucifers nest. If fire patterns change significantly in the coming decades, it could impact breeding success and population numbers.
Non-native species
Invasive plant species can disrupt native ecosystems relied upon by Lucifer Hummingbirds. Non-native animals may compete with Lucifers for food and other resources or prey on them directly. Monitoring and managing ecosystems to limit negative influences from invasive species will be an ongoing challenge.
Disease
The viruses, bacterial infections, parasites and fungal diseases that affect many bird species may also pose a risk to Lucifer Hummingbirds. Disease outbreaks among other related hummingbird species is a concern for the Lucifer as well. Maintaining a genetically diverse population gives the Lucifer a better chance of weathering any disease impacts.
Conservation Efforts
While not yet highly imperiled, proactive conservation steps today can help secure the Lucifer Hummingbird’s future:
Protected lands
Establishing more reserves and protected areas within the Lucifer’s breeding and wintering ranges can provide safe havens. Monitoring and managing these lands to meet the species’ needs helps buffer against regional habitat losses.
Habitat restoration
Improving degraded habitat through restoration of native vegetation and water resources can expand usable range for Lucifer Hummingbirds. Projects targeted specifically for the benefit of hummingbirds are especially valuable.
Wildfire management
Strategic plans for controlling wildfires in the Southwest may help minimize impacts to sensitive habitat. Selective thinning and prescribed burns can be useful tools for reducing fuel loads and creating fire resilient landscapes.
Raising awareness
Educating the public about Lucifer Hummingbirds promotes appreciation for the species. Birdwatchers who understand the threats and challenges the Lucifer faces can contribute to citizen science monitoring efforts that track populations over time.
Backyard habitats
Even small oases of suitable habitat can make a difference for hummingbirds. Homeowners can landscape their yards with native flowers, water features, and feeders to help supplement wild food sources.
Is the Lucifer Hummingbird Endangered? Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lucifer Hummingbird is not currently endangered nor facing an emergency-level threat of extinction. However, it does face a variety of concerning environmental pressures that scientists believe merit continued monitoring and conservation actions. This small, unique hummingbird remains dependent on specialized habitat that may be altered significantly by climate change and human activities in the coming decades. Sustained efforts to protect habitat and strengthen protections will help ensure the vibrant, shimmering Lucifer Hummingbird remains joyfully buzzing through its desert home.
Lucifer Hummingbird Fast Facts
| Scientific Name | Calothorax lucifer |
|---|---|
| Other common names | Lucifer Sheartail |
| Size | 3-4 inches long |
| Weight | 2-3 grams |
| Wingspan | 4 inches |
| Coloration | Males have iridescent purple throat, females are gray-green |
| Diet | Nectar, insects |
| Range | Southwest United States and Mexico |
| Habitat | Desert scrub, oak and pine woodlands |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Population | 120,000 – 200,000 mature individuals |
| Major Threats | Habitat loss, climate change, wildfires, invasive species, disease |
Population Status and Trends
Breeding Range
| State/Region | Breeding Population Estimate | Population Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 50,000 – 100,000 | Stable |
| New Mexico | 50,000 – 75,000 | Stable |
| Mexico (Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua) | 10,000 – 50,000 | Stable |
Wintering Range
| State/Region | Winter Population Estimate | Population Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico (Sinaloa, Nayarit) | 100,000 – 150,000 | Stable |
These population estimates and trends are based on data from:
BirdLife International 2016. Calothorax lucifer. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22687836/93491490
eBird Basic Dataset. Version: EBD_relMay-2022. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. May 2022.
What You Can Do To Help
Here are some ways you can support Lucifer Hummingbird conservation:
Provide backyard habitat
Plant native flowering plants and put up feeders to help supplement food sources, especially during migration. Avoid pesticides that may be harmful to birds.
Become a citizen scientist
Join community science projects that monitor hummingbird populations and distribution. Report Lucifer Hummingbird sightings to eBird.
Support conservation groups
Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the Audubon Society, Hummingbird Conservancy, and others that promote hummingbird research and habitat protections.
Contact elected officials
Ask your representatives to support legislation that safeguards critical habitat and addresses threats like climate change.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Take steps to lower your personal carbon emissions and overall environmental impact to help mitigate climate change.
Spread awareness
Share information about Lucifer Hummingbirds with others to inspire appreciation and support for this unique species. Even small actions can make a meaningful difference!
