Horned Sungem
Heliactin bilophus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="heliactin-bilophus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A spectacular small hummingbird (10-11 cm) endemic to the cerrado of central Brazil. Males have two erect, horn-like iridescent violet-blue feather tufts projecting from the sides of the head. Green and white plumage. Nectarivore of cerrado flowers. The only member of its genus.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 9.6 cm | 3.8 in |
| Weight | 2.3 g | 0.08 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Green-tailed Goldenthroat: males with glittering emerald gorget and violet crown; females green above; pale buff with green-spotted flanks
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in cerrado, caatinga, and dry open habitats across central Brazil from Maranhão to Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso. 300–1,100 m.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of open savanna and cerrado, visiting small flowers of grasses and shrubs. Catches tiny insects in hovering sallies.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 13 days. Fledging: 20-22 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Melodic, rolling phrase with rich timbre; warm, musical notes tumbling loosely in pleasant sequence at midday.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Heliactin |
| Species | Heliactin bilophus |
Distribution
Horned Sungem has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Horned Sungem eat?
Where does the Horned Sungem live?
Is the Horned Sungem endangered?
How does the Horned Sungem nest?
What does the Horned Sungem sound like?
How big is the Horned Sungem?
What order and family does the Horned Sungem belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family