They are medium to large species found in Mexico, and Central and northern South America.

The Mexican violetear occasionally wanders as far north as the United States and even Canada.

The female plumage is generally like the male's, but the ear and throat patches are smaller.

These birds come readily to artificial nectar feeders, and show no fear of humans.

They are aggressively territorial, and at feeders or flowering shrubs they spend much time chasing other hummingbirds, rather than feeding.