Uncommon, rather large but drab, fairly short-billed hummingbird of tropical and subtropical forest and edge. Can be aggressive when defending flower patches from most other hummingbirds. Occurs mainly in foothills, ranging seasonally down to lowlands. Sexes similar: overall grayish brown with a broad pale mustache, dark throat patch, and dark violet ear patches that can be raised. Tail has a broad blackish subterminal band and rump feathers have bright rusty edgings.