Blue-mantled Thornbill
Chalcostigma stanleyi
The Blue-mantled Thornbill (Chalcostigma stanleyi) is a rare hummingbird found in 4 countries, weighing about 6 g. The blue-mantled thornbill is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae.
About the Blue-mantled Thornbill
The blue-mantled thornbill is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The blue-mantled thornbill is 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 in) long; males weigh about 6.2 g (0.22 oz) and females 4.5 g (0.16 oz). Both sexes have a short straight black bill and a small white spot behind the eye. Adult males of the nominate subspecies are generally dark sooty brown. The crown and nape have a bronzy green sheen, the back reflects violet-blue, and the uppertail coverts are turquoise. The forked tail is steel blue. They have a narrow gorget that is emerald green on the chin and transitions through pink to purple-violet or violet-blue at the lower edge. Voice: The blue-mantled thornbill's calls have been described as "a descending squeaky twitter followed by a mellower upslurred note" and "a downslurred 'tseetsitsitsitsitr-whee-tsew' variations."
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia.
When to see it
The Blue-mantled Thornbill can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Blue-mantled Thornbill?
- The blue-mantled thornbill is 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 in) long; males weigh about 6.2 g (0.22 oz) and females 4.5 g (0.16 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Blue-mantled Thornbill?
- The Blue-mantled Thornbill is a tiny sized bird weighing about 6 g.
- Where can you see a Blue-mantled Thornbill?
- The Blue-mantled Thornbill occurs in 4 countries, including Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
- What birds look similar to a Blue-mantled Thornbill?
- The Blue-mantled Thornbill is most easily confused with the Bronze-tailed Thornbill, the Rufous-capped Thornbill and the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill.
- Is the Blue-mantled Thornbill endangered?
- The Blue-mantled Thornbill is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Blue-mantled Thornbill for real
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