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Green Violetear

Colibri thalassinus

Least Concern
Wingspan
12.5 cm
Weight
5.092499999999999 g
Family
Trochilidae
Order
Caprimulgiformes

The Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) is a bird species in the family Trochilidae (hummingbirds), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 12.5 cm and a weight of 5.1 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.

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About

A medium-sized hummingbird (10-12 cm) with brilliant green plumage and iridescent violet-blue ear patches. Found in highlands from Mexico to Nicaragua at 1,000-3,500 m. Nectarivore of mountain forests, gardens, and cloud forest edges. Common and conspicuous. Formerly included Lesser Violetear.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 12.5 cm 4.9 in
Weight 5.092499999999999 g 0.18 oz

Habitat & Range

Geographic Range

Found in highlands from central Mexico south through Central America to western Bolivia. Common in montane forest at 1,000–3,000 m.

Diet & Feeding

Nectarivore of montane gardens and cloud-forest borders. Takes small insects in aerial sallies from prominent perches.

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: CP. Incubation: 16-17 days. Fledging: 23-28 days.

Clutch Size

2

Sound

Song

Melodic, descending four-note phrase; clear flute-like tones stepping down smoothly, characteristic of violetear territory song.

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Genus Colibri
Species Colibri thalassinus

Distribution

Green Violetear has been recorded in 5 countries.

Present Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Green Violetear eat?
Nectarivore of montane gardens and cloud-forest borders. Takes small insects in aerial sallies from prominent perches.
Where does the Green Violetear live?
Found in highlands from central Mexico south through Central America to western Bolivia. Common in montane forest at 1,000–3,000 m.
Is the Green Violetear endangered?
The Green Violetear has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Green Violetear nest?
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 16-17 days. Fledging: 23-28 days.
What does the Green Violetear sound like?
Melodic, descending four-note phrase; clear flute-like tones stepping down smoothly, characteristic of violetear territory song.
How big is the Green Violetear?
The Green Violetear has a wingspan of 12.5 cm, weight of 5.092499999999999 g.
What order and family does the Green Violetear belong to?
The Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Trochilidae.

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