Unlike others in the Amazilia genus, this species frequents open, scrubby, arid areas with thorn forests and desert habitat. Amazilia Hummingbirds are also spotted in towns, gardens, and parks, and are occasionally found in forests, particularly along the Pacific. These medium-sized hummingbirds breed throughout the year, but may migrate altitudinally at times. The throat color varies by subspecies, but is some shade of glittering green. The tail is rufous and green.