Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-crested-coquette/ Species photography guide # Rufous-crested Coquette Photography Holidays *Lophornis delattrei* Explore our Rufous-crested Coquette photography holidays in [Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/), shaped around patient, repeatable field sessions with this species during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-crested-coquette/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-crested-coquette/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-crested-coquette/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-crested-coquette/#nl-species-related) ![Rufous-crested Coquette photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Where[Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Rufous-crested Coquette is a small, ornate hummingbird found in South America, notable for the male's striking rufous crest & elongated green-spotted neck plumes. The male displays vivid iridescent green plumage on the throat & upper parts, while the female is more subdued with a buffy-rufous colouration on the head. This diminutive species is one of the smallest hummingbirds, measuring only around 7 cm in length. **Habitat** The Rufous-crested Coquette inhabits humid montane forests, forest edges, & scrubby clearings at elevations typically ranging from 500 to 2000 metres across western South America, including Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rufous-crested_coquette) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Rufous-crested Coquette with us in [Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/). These departures are part of our [South America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Early morning hours shortly after sunrise offer the best light & activity, as coquettes are most actively feeding at this time. The dry season months between May & October tend to provide clearer skies & more predictable bird behaviour in their range. **Approach** Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wing beats, which can exceed 60 beats per second, & position yourself near flowering plants the bird regularly visits. A telephoto macro lens in the 100-400mm range works well for capturing fine plumage detail while maintaining enough distance to avoid disturbing the bird. Set up near known feeding sites early in the morning & pre-focus on a frequently visited flower to improve your chances of a sharp, well-composed shot. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Amethyst Woodstar](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/amethyst-woodstar/)[Andean Cock-of-the-Rock](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/andean-cock-of-the-rock/)[Black-throated Mango](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-throated-mango/)[Blue-Necked Tanager](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/blue-necked-tanager/)[Chestnut-breasted Coronet](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/chestnut-breasted-coronet/)[Collared Inca](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-inca/)[Crested Quetzal](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/crested-quetzal/)[Long-tailed Sylph](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/long-tailed-sylph/)[Marvelous Spatuletail](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marvelous-spatuletail/)[Royal Sunangel](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/royal-sunangel/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Rufous-crested Coquette The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Rufous-crested Coquette in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg) #### Related holiday Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds gives guests time in Peru where Rufous-crested Coquette can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Rufous-crested Coquette is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Rufous-crested Coquette in Peru. During our photography holidays, the Rufous-crested Coquette is often photographed alongside Amethyst Woodstar, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Black-throated Mango, Blue-Necked Tanager, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, & Collared Inca. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Single occupancy Maximum 5 guests Experienced guidance Guided by David - [![Join Us For The Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) Launch Offer ### 9th - 23rd Jan 2028 - Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds **Location:** Peru Travel to Peru with us for a wildlife photography holiday, during January 2028, focused on hummingbirds photographed with both natural & controlled setups. **14 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £6999 Now: £6749** Guided By **David Miles** [View Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) -