Festive Frilled Coquette Hybrid Hummingbird - Brazil

[Donkees]

Photo: Javier Zurita

In the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest, at the vibrant feeders of Duco Lodge in ElDorado, a never-before-seen hummingbird has stolen the spotlight — a stunning hybrid between the Festive Coquette (Lophornis chalybeus) and the Frilled Coquette (Lophornis magnificus).

A Blend of Two Species

This hybrid individual displays an unusual combination of physical traits:

Emerald-green crown and throat, with tight, reflective plumage resembling the Festive Coquette.

Partial lateral frills on the neck — short, spade-like feathers that echo the Frilled Coquette’s elaborate ornamentation, but less pronounced.

Buff-colored underparts, especially across the lower chest and flanks, blending the warmer tones of the Frilled with the cleaner lines of the Festive.

Long, dark tail feathers and wing shape consistent with the Frilled Coquette.

A compact, upright posture and feeding behavior typical of both parent species.

This combination of features — clearly pulling from both L. chalybeus and L. magnificus — confirms the bird as a probable interspecific hybrid.

https://www.anthony-lujan.com/blog/natures-mashup-festive-frilled-coquette-hybrid