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Snowcap

Microchera albocoronata

Least Concern
Wingspan
8.1 cm
Weight
2.7 g
Family
Trochilidae
Order
Caprimulgiformes

The Snowcap (Microchera albocoronata) is a bird species in the family Trochilidae (hummingbirds), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 8.1 cm and a weight of 2.7 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.

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About

A tiny hummingbird (6-7 cm) found in humid forests from Honduras to western Panama. Males have a striking white crown cap contrasting with dark purple body, giving the snowcap name. Nectarivore of forest canopy. One of the smallest and most distinctive Central American hummingbirds.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 8.1 cm 3.2 in
Weight 2.7 g 0.10 oz

Habitat & Range

Geographic Range

Found in humid forests from Honduras to western Panama. Resident in lowland and foothill forest canopy.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on nectar from low shrubs and forest epiphytes in Central America. Supplements with small insects and spiders caught near blossoms.

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: CP.

Clutch Size

2

Sound

Song

High, crystalline notes in bright musical phrase; clear ascending tones cascading smoothly in cheerful display.

Taxonomy

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

Distribution

Snowcap has been recorded in 1 countries.

Present Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Snowcap eat?
Feeds on nectar from low shrubs and forest epiphytes in Central America. Supplements with small insects and spiders caught near blossoms.
Where does the Snowcap live?
Found in humid forests from Honduras to western Panama. Resident in lowland and foothill forest canopy.
Is the Snowcap endangered?
The Snowcap has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Snowcap nest?
Nest type: CP.
What does the Snowcap sound like?
High, crystalline notes in bright musical phrase; clear ascending tones cascading smoothly in cheerful display.
How big is the Snowcap?
The Snowcap has a wingspan of 8.1 cm, weight of 2.7 g.
What order and family does the Snowcap belong to?
The Snowcap (Microchera albocoronata) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Trochilidae.

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