Cinnamon Hummingbird

Identification

The cinnamon hummingbird is a small species, measuring 9.5 to 11.5 centimetres long and weighing just 5 to 5.5 grams—a delicate jewel among the hummingbird world. Its name perfectly describes its most distinctive feature: the brilliant cinnamon to cinnamon-rufous underparts that contrast strikingly with metallic bronze-green upperparts. The tail displays deep cinnamon-rufous tones with dark metallic bronze tips, while the wings are dark brownish-slate. Males sport a red bill with a black tip, while females have mostly black bills with red at the base. Juveniles resemble adults but display rufous edges on the face, crown, and rump feathers, and carry an all-black bill. The bird's voice is equally distinctive, featuring varied, high, thin, slightly squeaky chips described as "si ch chi-chit" or similar rapid sequences.

Range & Habitat

This resident species is found throughout the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America, from the northwestern Mexican states down through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, with populations also in Belize and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Four recognized subspecies occupy different regions, with subtle variations in plumage intensity and size. The cinnamon hummingbird typically inhabits coastal and lowland areas, though it ranges further inland in warmer locations within the southern parts of its range. It prefers primary and secondary deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, as well as thorn forest, from sea level up to approximately 1,600 metres elevation.

Behaviour & Diet

The cinnamon hummingbird is an active forager, typically hunting for nectar from the understory to mid-storey levels but also visiting taller flowering trees. Its diet consists primarily of nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by insects. The species is notably territorial, vigorously defending its feeding sites from intrusion by other hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Breeding occurs throughout the year, with different populations nesting in different months. Females construct tiny cup-shaped nests from plant material and spider silk, placed on horizontal branches. These nests, documented in western Mexico, sometimes feature small platforms of wood pieces beneath the cup, constructed from kapok seed fibres with grass, wood bits, and lichens on the exterior. Clutches typically contain two eggs.

Best Time & Places to See It

Since the cinnamon hummingbird is resident throughout its range, it can be encountered year-round, though breeding activity occurs continuously across different regions and seasons. Coastal and lowland areas of the Pacific slope offer the best opportunities for sightings. Look for them in deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, particularly where flowering plants are abundant. The species' territories and preference for foraging in mid-storey vegetation mean careful observation is rewarded with regular sightings in suitable habitat.

Photography Tips

The cinnamon hummingbird's small size and active foraging behaviour present a rewarding but challenging photography subject. Focus on areas where flowering plants attract the birds, and position yourself with soft, directional light that showcases the metallic bronze-green upperparts and warm cinnamon tones. The contrasting plumage—particularly the interplay between the dark wings and cinnamon underparts—photographs beautifully with proper lighting. Since the bird is territorial, returning to productive feeding sites increases your chances of consistent encounters and multiple photo opportunities. Fast shutter speeds are essential to freeze the rapid wing beats and intricate flight patterns typical of hummingbirds.