- It is the second-largest hummingbird species in the United States, surpassed only by the blue-throated mountain-gem
- Growing up to 5.5 inches long, this sparrow-sized giant is famous for its striking dark profile that flashes with iridescent purple crowns and emerald-green throats when the sunlight hits them just right
- Rivoli's Hummingbirds inhabit high-altitude mountain glades, shady canyons, and pine-oak woodlands
- They are strictly found between 5,000 and 9,000 feet elevation
- Look for them during the breeding season from spring through early autumn ... August and September offer peak viewing opportunities when late-summer monsoon blooms draw them to patches of wild, narrow flowers