Stocky, medium-sized hummingbird of the southern half of Baja California peninsula. No similar species in its limited range; endemic. Favors scrubby woodland, pine-oak woods in mountains, desert scrub, gardens; comes to feeders. Both sexes have a black mask, bold and thick white ear-stripe, red base to the bill, and bright rusty tail. Male head and throat often appear black, but in the right light throat flashes brilliant green. Female has pale cinnamon underparts.