More than any other bird family, hummingbirds have the most charming names. Hell, there’s even a hummingbird (found around San Vito) that is named the Charming Hummingbird! This post is about a hummingbird that not only has a cute common name but also a cute scientific name; and on top of all that this bird is jaw-droppingly cute…the White-crested Coquette (Lophornis adorabilis).

Recently, our San Vito neighbor and San Vito Bird Club charter member Cecelia Sansonetti had a very close encounter with a White-crested Coquette (see below). The tiny male Coquette, not much larger than a Sphinx Moth (which it resembles) flew into her house.

‘I naturally thought it was a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird or even a Stripe-throated Hermit,’ Ms. Sansonetti relayed to me. ‘When I got closer, I couldn’t believe it; a White-crested Coquette.’

Many of us have had hummingbirds fly into the house. It can be a challenge to safely rescue these smallest of all birds before they smash into a window or simply succumb to exhaustion. But Cecilia, with her many years as a Master Bird Bander, knew what to do.

‘I waited until the Coquette was on the floor, then I gently grabbed it up using the bird banders’ grip*. I could see the poor thing panting with its beak open looking greatly fatigued.’

Holding the bird securely with her right hand, ‘Dr.’ Sansonetti then somehow managed to mix up just the right prescription, one designed to recharge her weary patient…a bit of sugar water.

Hummingbirds, as you know, have an astoundingly fast metabolism and must take in calories regularly–or starve.

‘This hummingbird first happily took in some regular water…drinking and drinking like a crazy guy. Then he took in a bit of sugar water I held out to him from a spoon. After that he looked much cooler so I put him in a shady spot outside. And guess what?’

‘What?’

‘The female Coquette was waiting for him up in a tree and the two of them flew off together. It’s so good to know the White-crested Coquettes are nesting near me.‘

Sometime in the next few weeks, we’ll post an article with tips on what to do if a bird does fly into your house or into a window. And we will show you how to use the *bird bander’s grip*.

White-crested Coquette on the floor. Photos courtesy of Cecelia Sansonetti

White-crested Coquette, in hand.