The spangled coquette, like all of its genus, possesses a well-defined
crest on the head, and a number of feathers projecting from the neck.
This singular crest it can raise or depress at will, producing a curious
effect in the appearance of the little bird. When depressed, the crest
lies fiat, and projects on either side, so that the sparkling eyes can
scarcely be seen. The crest and feathers projecting from the neck are
of a light, ruddy chestnut, the latter having dark bronzed green spots
on the tip. The head is of the same colour; the throat and face of a
lustrous green. Below the gorget projects a small crossing from side to
side, and the rest of the plumage is of a dark, ruddy chestnut colour.
The female has neither crest nor gorget.