Violet-capped Hummingbird

The Violet-capped Hummingbird, known scientifically as Goldmania violiceps, is a diminutive and radiant bird, measuring a mere 8.5 to 9.5 cm in length. Males of the species tip the scales at 3.8 to 4.4 grams, while females are slightly lighter, weighing in at 3.4 to 3.9 grams. Both sexes boast a straight bill, predominantly black with a blush of pink at the base of the mandible.

Identification Tips

The male Violet-capped Hummingbird is distinguished by its iridescent violet-blue crown, a striking contrast to its metallic green body. Its tail is subtly forked, a rich maroon with broad white feather edges. The female, on the other hand, displays green upperparts and a whitish underbelly, adorned with grey throat spots and green flanks. Her tail feathers are maroon, tipped with white.

Habitat

This species favors the edges and inner realms of humid forests, thriving at elevations between 600 and 1,200 meters, with a sweet spot around 900 meters.

Distribution

The Violet-capped Hummingbird graces us with its presence in scattered mountainous regions across central and eastern Panama and the far northwestern reaches of Colombia.

Behaviour

A year-round resident, the Violet-capped Hummingbird does not migrate but remains faithful to its range throughout the seasons.

Feeding

In the dense underbrush, this hummingbird seeks out nectar, favoring the blooms of low flowering shrubs such as Salvia, Pachystachis, Palicourea, and Psammisia.

Breeding

The breeding season for the Violet-capped Hummingbird extends from December to April, though much of its breeding habits remain shrouded in mystery, including the architecture of its nest.

Vocalization

The song of the Violet-capped Hummingbird is a soft, rapid chirp, while its call is a series of nasal, low-pitched notes, often heard as 'kyek…kyek-kyek-kyek…kyek…', typically vocalized during hovering or feeding.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Violet-capped Hummingbird as Near Threatened. Although its population size is not precisely known and is suspected to be in decline, the species is still considered fairly common to locally common within its range. A slow rate of deforestation poses a potential threat, yet much of its habitat remains untouched by human activity.