Golden-crowned Emerald Chlorostilbon auriceps

A member of the taxonomically confusing genus Chlorostilbon, Golden-crowned Emerald is found only in western Mexico. Golden-crowned Emerald now is recognized as a species, but for much of the 20th century it was classified as a subspecies of Chlorostilbon canivetii (Canivet's Emerald). Golden-crowned Emerald mostly is found in arid to semihumid areas in woodland brush and scrub, overgrown clearings, and forest borders. Golden-crowned Emeralds forage in the lower and middle strata for nectar or insects. They vocalize with dry, chattering calls, and when feeding, these emeralds wag their tails. Males Golden-crowned Emeralds boast long, forked tails, while those of females are shorter but still forked.