Green-crowned Brilliant

The Green-crowned Brilliant, scientifically known as Heliodoxa jacula, is a dazzling species of hummingbird belonging to the tribe Heliantheini within the subfamily Lesbiinae. This avian jewel is adorned with a glittering green to blue-green head and breast, with males featuring a metallic violet-blue throat patch. The upperparts and belly shimmer with a bronzy green, while the vent area and thighs are a contrasting white. The tail is a striking blue-black, completing the bird's vibrant palette.

Identification Tips

Adult males are typically 12 to 13 cm in length, with females slightly smaller at 10.5 to 12 g. Both sexes possess a distinctive white spot behind the eye and a forked tail, though the male's is more pronounced. Females lack the male's shiny head and have a short white malar stripe, with their underparts being whitish and heavily spotted with green. Immature birds can be identified by their duller coloration and less forked tails.

Habitat

The Green-crowned Brilliant thrives in various environments, including the interiors and edges of humid sub-montane and montane forests, mature secondary forests, and even gardens. They are adaptable birds that can also be found in forest clearings.

Distribution

This species graces the skies of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama, with its range extending across different elevations depending on the region.

Behaviour

Green-crowned Brilliants may exhibit seasonal movements, particularly at lower elevations in Costa Rica and Ecuador. They typically forage in the middle and upper strata of the forest, with males sometimes defending feeding territories.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Green-crowned Brilliant includes a loud, squeaky "kyew" or "tyew" call. Males in display produce a "tseek, tseek, tseek" sound, while chases are accompanied by sputtering notes and squeaks.

Breeding

The breeding season varies by region, with nests being bulky cups of plant fibers and tree fern scales placed on thin branches. The female incubates two white elliptical eggs, shouldering the responsibility alone.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned, it is important to note the differences between the subspecies, with H. j. henryi being larger and greener than the nominate, and H. j. jamersoni having a duller head and breast.

Diet and Feeding

The Green-crowned Brilliant primarily feeds on nectar from Marcgravia vines and small understory plants. They exhibit both territorial and trap-lining feeding behaviors and prefer clinging to flowers over hovering.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Green-crowned Brilliant as Least Concern. Although its population is believed to be decreasing, it has not faced any immediate threats and shows some resilience to habitat fragmentation and disturbance. However, forest clearance could lead to local population declines.