Endemic and endangered short-crested coquette (Lophornis brachylophus): Floral resources and interactions

Abstract

The Short-crested Coquette (Lophornis brachylophus) is an endangered species endemic to Mexico. Currently, its distribution area is estimated at 53 km². Little to no information exists on its natural history, abundance, and distribution. The purpose of the present study is to describe its food resources, behavior, and interactions with plants and other hummingbirds in addition to its abundance and distribution along an altitudinal gradient. We found that the Short-crested Coquette is sparsely distributed and ranges from tropical sub-deciduous forest to cloud forest. It can also occupy cultivated lands and forests with shade coffee plantations. It moves along an altitudinal gradient following the blooming of its floral resources, similar to other hummingbird species in the study region. It is a generalist, subordinate species that shares its distribution with 14 other hummingbird species. It interacts with some of these hummingbirds and plants in a nested network of interactions with low levels of connectance, visiting 8 of the 23 plant species commonly used by hummingbirds in the area. More in-depth studies on its reproduction and interaction with different plants and important crops in the area are required. The results of the present study can be used to propose programs for the management, conservation, or recovery of the habitats inhabited by the Short-crested Coquette and other hummingbirds.