HUMMINGBIRD SPECIES

Sparkling Violetear

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Colibri coruscans

The Sparkling Violetears are solitary and aggressive hummingbirds, often defending their territory while singing throughout the day.

It is the largest violetear at 5 – 6 inches long. Males weigh 7.7 - 8.5 grams while females weigh from ounces 6.7 - 7.5 grams.

Both sexes are similar. They have metallic green upperparts, green underparts, blue stomach and a white vent. There is a bluish-purple near the ears which meet under the bill.

Tail is iridescent green with a blue band. Bill is black and down-curved.

It resembles the Lesser Violetear which is smaller and lacks the distinct purple- blue chest-spot and gorget of the Sparkling Violetear.

Diet consists of nectar from a wide variety of flowers and also insects caught in flight.

Occurs in a wide range of semi-open habitats, even in gardens and parks within major cities such as Quito, and is often the most common species of hummingbird in its range.

It is most abundant near coniferous or evergreen eucalyptus forests.

Widespread in highlands of northern and western South America, including a large part of the Andes (from Argentina and northwards), the Venezuelan Coastal Range, and the Tepuis.

Nest is a tiny, cup-shaped made from twigs and other plant material. The clutch consists of 2 eggs, which are incubated by the female for 17-18 days. The young fledge after three weeks.

SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org
https://www.birdforum.net