Lophornis is a genus of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. These are all tiny birds, ranking among the smallest hummingbirds. No species exceeds 9 cm (3.5 in) and most are under 7.5 cm (3.0 in) in total length, weighing 3 grams or less. The male coquettes are noted from their outlandish, colorful crests and markings, the females being more subdued.
Taxonomy and species list
The genus Lophornis was introduced by the French naturalist René Lesson in 1829.[1] The type species was subsequently designated as the tufted coquette (Lophornis ornatus).[2] The generic name combines the Ancient Greeklophos meaning "crest" or "tuft" with ornis meaning "bird".[3]
The genus contains the following eleven species:[4]