The Yucatán population is commonly found in a narrow (c.1 km wide) coastal strip (although the range is now known to extend at least 4 km inland [Santamaria-Rivero et al. 2013]), mainly in the ecotone between mangroves and tropical deciduous forest (Ortiz-Pulido et al. 2002), but also breeds in gardens and urban areas (S. Howell in litt. 2003; Santamaria-Rivero et al. 2013). The Veracruz population occurs in undisturbed, dry deciduous forest and overgrazed habitats c.25 km inland (Ortiz-Pulido et al. 2002; S. Howell in litt. 2003). The species has been observed feeding at flowers of Ipomoea, Malvaviscus, Agave, Justicia and Helicteres guazumaefolia in Veracruz (Ortiz-Pulido et al. 1998, 2002; Díaz-Valenzuela et al. 2011), and its diet is supplemented by small arthropods (del Hoyo et al. 1999). An unpublished study suggests that both populations feed on nectar from a similar range of plant species (R. Ortiz-Pulido in litt. 2016). In Veracruz, breeding condition has been noted in May, and a nest with small chicks was found in early August (Ortiz-Pulido et al. 1998; Howell 2002). In Yucatán, nesting takes place in August-April, with recently fledged young reported in February and March (Howell and Webb 1995; Ortiz-Pulido et al. 2002). Its nest, in which two eggs are laid, is cup-shaped, and made of seeds of Compositae, lichens and spiders' webs (Ortiz-Pulido et al. 1998, Peterson et al. 2016). Both populations apparently undergo a short-range, seasonal migration (Santamaria-Rivero et al. 2013; R. Ortiz-Pulido in litt. 2016).

This species occurs in Mexico and has two disjunct populations: one in central Veracruz, and one on the northern fringe of the Yucatán peninsula. A recent review found no morphological differences between the two populations, but it has been reported that there are distinct ecological (Ortiz-Pulido et al. 2002) and some genetic differences (Licona-Vera and Ornelas 2014). The Veracruz population must be tiny, and declining (Ortiz-Pulido et al. 2002). The Yucatán population may also be declining due to habitat loss (R. Ortiz-Pulido in litt. 2016).

Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in three protected areas (Biosphere Reserves Ría Lagartos and Río Celestún, and Special Biosphere Reserve Bocas de Dzilám de Bravo). The species is included on the 'Watch List' of the State of North America's Birds as a species of high conservation concern (NABCI 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys to assess the population size. Monitor population trends through regular surveys. Monitor the extent of habitat degradation and rates of habitat loss. Increase the area of suitable habitat with protected status.