Green-fronted Hummingbird illustration
Birdsong field guide

Green-fronted Hummingbird

Ramosomyia viridifrons

A medium-sized Mexican endemic hummingbird distinguished by its glittering green crown, pure white underparts, and warm cinnamon tail.

What it sounds like

A rapid, high-pitched series of sharp 'tsip' or 'chit' notes, sometimes becoming a buzzy chatter.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

  • It features a bright coral-red bill with a distinctive black tip.
  • Unlike many other hummingbird species, it lacks a brilliant iridescent throat patch (gorget).
  • Taxonomic studies recently moved this species from the genus Amazilia to the resurrected genus Ramosomyia.
  • It is a highly territorial feeder, often guarding patches of tubular flowers in arid landscapes.
  • Juveniles can be identified by buff-colored fringes on their crown feathers and a duller bill coloration.
Habitat
Arid to semi-arid scrub, tropical deciduous forests, and gallery forests.
Range
Endemic to the Pacific slope of southern Mexico, from Guerrero to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Heard a Green-fronted Hummingbird?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

Identify a bird by its song