Golden-crowned Spadebill

The golden-crowned spadebill is the smallest member of its genus. It is about 8.5 to 9 cm (3.3 to 3.5 in) long and weighs 8 to 9 g (0.28 to 0.32 oz). It has a large head with a bold facial pattern and a stubby tail. The sexes have almost the same plumage. Males of the nominate subspecies have a black crown with a partially hidden orange-rufous patch in the center; females have a purer orange patch. Both sexes have pale buff-yellow as a patch above the lores, as an eye-ring, as a stripe behind the eye, and as a patch on the ear coverts. Voice: The golden-crowned spadebill's song has been described as "a very high-pitched, rapid, hissing trill that undulates slightly...and could easily be mistaken for an insect noise". A similar description is "a weak, insectlike, and high-pitched trill, se'e'e'e'e'e'e'r'r'r'r'e'e'ep...barely audible at any distance and easily overlooked".