Brown Violetear
Colibri delphinae
Uncommon, rather large but drab, fairly short-billed hummingbird of tropical and subtropical forest and edge. Can be aggressive when defending flower patches from most other hummingbirds. Occurs mainly in foothills, ranging seasonally down to lowlands. Sexes similar: overall grayish brown with a broad pale mustache, dark throat patch, and dark violet ear patches that can be raised. Tail has a broad blackish subterminal band and rump feathers have bright rusty edgings.
Identification
The brown violetear (Colibri delphinae) is a large hummingbird that breeds at middle elevations in the mountains in Central America, and western and northern South America (primarily the Andes and the tepuis) with isolated populations on Trinidad and in the Brazilian state Bahia. The breeding habitat is forest at altitudes between 400 and 1600 m, but the brown Violet-ear will spread widely into the lowlands when not nesting. It is replaced at higher altitudes by its relative, the lesser violetear (C. cyanotus), but their ranges overlap widely. The brown violetear is typically found high in the canopy of the rainforest, tall second growth and coffee plantations, but it will feed at lower levels at edges and clearings. The nest is a small cup of plant down saddled on a twig 1–3 m. high in a bush, into which two white eggs are laid. The 11.5 cm long, 6.5-7 g weight brown violetear is unmistakable; it is mainly dull brown, with a rufous rump and greyer underparts. There is a violet patch running back and down from the eye, a hermit-like malar stripe, and a glittering green and blue throat stripe. The bill is relatively short and almost straight. The female is similar to the male, but has a smaller throat patch. Immature bird have rufous fringes to the upperpart plumage, and little or no violet behind the eyes. The song is a vigorous repetition of the chit call, and is delivered by up to several dozen breeding males in loose leks. The brown violetear feeds on nectar from small flowers of trees, shrubs and epiphytes. It also takes insects, often caught in flight (hawking), as an essential source of protein. Although not particularly territorial, this species is highly aggressive, and at feeders seems to spend far more time attacking other hummingbirds than actually feeding.
Taxonomy
Genus: Colibri; Family: Trochilidae; Order: Apodiformes.
- Scientific name
- Colibri delphinae
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1839)
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Genus
- Colibri
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
Migration pattern: Vertical migration.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Small-billed Elaenia
Elaenia parvirostris
A fairly small and very dull-looking flycatcher. Grayish brown above and whitish below with a thin white eyering, three pale wingbars, and pinkish base to the bill. Note the round head with only a very slight crested appearance. Found in woodlands and edges up to around 1,200 m. Breeds from southern Brazil to central Argentina, migrating north in the austral winter to far northern South America. Extremely similar to White-crested Elaenia, which tends to show a less obvious eyering and has only two wingbars. Note vocalizations, which include a slightly burry “wh’eer” call, a fast complex “tweedle-twee,” and single “pip” notes.
Plumbeous Kite
Ictinia plumbea
Slender, long-winged summer migrant to tropical lowlands. Found in humid forest and adjacent semiopen areas with tall trees. Hunts in flight, soaring lazily on long, rather pointed wings and snatches insects with its talons. Dark gray overall (plumbeous means lead-colored) with a slightly paler head. On perched birds, the tips of the wings project well beyond the short tail. In flight, note the orange patches on the underside of the wingtips. Immature has whitish underparts with dark streaking.
Taiwan Barbet
Psilopogon nuchalis
Highly distinctive Taiwan endemic, bright green with a rainbow-hued face in red, blue, and yellow. Inhabits forests, parks, and gardens from lowlands into montane regions. Bold for a barbet, occasionally perching in treetops. Sometimes forms flocks. Vocalizations include frog-like croaking or bubbling notes and hollow bubbling hoots.
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