Green Violetear
Colibri thalassinus
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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 |
Identification
Plumage
Short-tailed Emerald: iridescent green above with coppery rump; white underparts; rufous flanks; sexually dimorphic; straight short bill
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
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.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Green Violetear eat?
Where does the Green Violetear live?
Is the Green Violetear endangered?
How does the Green Violetear nest?
What does the Green Violetear sound like?
How big is the Green Violetear?
What order and family does the Green Violetear belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family