Purple-crowned Fairy
Heliothryx barroti
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<birdfyi-bird slug="heliothryx-barroti"></birdfyi-bird>The Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti) is a bird species in the family Trochilidae (hummingbirds), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 12.8 cm and a weight of 5.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A slender, elegant hummingbird (11-13 cm) with a long, deeply forked tail. Green upperparts, purple crown, and immaculate white underparts. Found in humid forests from southern Mexico to western Ecuador. Nectarivore of forest canopy. Named fairy for its delicate, floating flight.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 12.8 cm | 5.0 in |
| Weight | 5.48 g | 0.19 oz |
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in lowland humid forest from southern Mexico through Central America to western Ecuador and western Colombia. 0–800 m.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore specializing in high canopy flowers and bromeliads. Pierces flower bases to rob nectar; supplements with small insects.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 16-17 days. Fledging: 20-24 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Buzzy, insect-like trill sustained monotonously; continuous high-frequency vibration with little dynamic range throughout.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Heliothryx |
| Species | Heliothryx barroti |
Distribution
Purple-crowned Fairy has been recorded in 3 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Purple-crowned Fairy eat?
Where does the Purple-crowned Fairy live?
Is the Purple-crowned Fairy endangered?
How does the Purple-crowned Fairy nest?
What does the Purple-crowned Fairy sound like?
How big is the Purple-crowned Fairy?
What order and family does the Purple-crowned Fairy belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family