October 17, 2026, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. A backyard hummingbird feeder recorded an extraordinary visitor: a shimmering green bird with brilliant blue-violet patches on its head. The unexpected guest was identified as a Mexican violetear, a tropical hummingbird rarely seen this far north.
What makes the sighting especially remarkable is its history. Colorado has only two officially accepted records of this species, with the last dating back to 2003. If the new observation is accepted, it would become the state’s third documented record in nearly three decades.
See the original October 17 hummingbird footage in the Macaulay Library.
A Rare Hummingbird Appears After 23 Years
The unusual visitor was recorded at a smart hummingbird feeder, capturing evidence of a bird that normally inhabits mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America. According to the Colorado Bird Records Committee, the state’s first accepted Mexican violetear sighting occurred near Durango in July 1998.
A second was documented near Conifer in September 2003. Then came more than two decades without another accepted record. The October 2026 encounter could finally end that remarkable gap, although the identification still requires formal acceptance by the committee. The discovery also demonstrates how an ordinary backyard feeder can document an extraordinary wildlife encounter.
Receive updates like this one in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter. 🌺
What Makes the Mexican Violetear So Unusual?
The Mexican violetear (Colibri thalassinus) is among North America’s most striking hummingbirds. Measuring approximately four to five inches long, the species has predominantly metallic green feathers, with distinctive blue-violet patches near its ears and chest.
The video below offers a closer look at this remarkable species, showing the iridescent plumage that makes the Mexican violetear so recognizable.
Video uploaded and shared by Apiradee Aor on YouTube. This footage illustrates the species and does not show the October 17 Colorado sighting.
Its iridescent plumage changes appearance depending on the angle of sunlight, sometimes appearing emerald green and at other times flashing brilliant turquoise or purple. But despite its colorful appearance, the bird is not considered globally endangered.
According to the National Audubon Society, Mexican violetears are relatively common in portions of their tropical highland range. What makes this particular encounter exceptional isn’t the rarity of the species worldwide. It’s where the bird appeared.
Why Would a Tropical Hummingbird Travel So Far North?
Mexican violetears occasionally wander far beyond their normal range. The National Audubon Society describes them as somewhat nomadic, moving between mountainous areas and sometimes reaching the United States. Birdwatchers have repeatedly spotted the species in Texas, with occasional sightings across the country and as far north as Canada.
Birds appearing outside their normal geographic range are often called vagrants. Their unexpected movements may involve several factors, but scientists still have questions about why particular Mexican violetears travel such remarkable distances.
The Colorado bird’s precise route is unknown. There is no evidence establishing whether weather, food availability, or another factor contributed to its appearance. What researchers do know is that these unusual sightings provide valuable information about the species’ movements.
A Backyard Camera Captures an Important Wildlife Record
Not long ago, an unexpected hummingbird might have visited a backyard feeder and disappeared without leaving much evidence. Today, camera-equipped feeders can document even brief visits. The footage captures identifying characteristics, such as feather colors, body shape, and behavior, while documenting when the bird visited the feeder.
That information becomes especially valuable when birdwatchers spot a species far outside its usual range. For the Colorado Mexican violetear, the recording gives bird experts evidence to examine as they evaluate the potential new state record.
It’s a reminder that valuable wildlife observations don’t always require traveling into remote forests or wilderness areas. Sometimes, an important discovery happens just outside someone’s window.
Could Another Rare Hummingbird Visit This Fall?
While most hummingbirds follow seasonal patterns, occasional wanderers can appear in surprising locations. The Mexican violetear’s Colorado visit is an unusual example of how unpredictable bird movements can be.
Anyone noticing an unfamiliar hummingbird should try to document its appearance without disturbing it. Photographs, videos, observation dates, and location information can help experts evaluate unusual sightings.
For this particular species, the October recording may eventually become part of Colorado’s official birding history. And it all began with an unexpected visitor at a backyard feeder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is the Mexican violetear in Colorado?
Extremely rare. Colorado has only two officially accepted records, from 1998 and 2003. A Mexican violetear recorded near Colorado Springs on October 17, 2026, could become the third if accepted by the Colorado Bird Records Committee.
Where do Mexican violetear hummingbirds normally live?
Mexican violetears typically inhabit mountainous areas from Mexico through Central America, particularly forest edges and clearings. Some individuals occasionally travel far north of their usual range.
Why is the Mexican violetear green and purple?
Its feathers contain microscopic structures that reflect light, creating iridescent green, blue, and violet colors. The intensity and appearance of these colors can change with lighting and viewing angle.
🤗