Ruby-topaz Hummingbird
Chrysolampis mosquitus
The Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) is a rare hummingbird found in 14 countries, weighing about 4 g. The ruby-topaz hummingbird, commonly referred to simply as the ruby topaz, is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae, the mangoes.
About the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird
The ruby-topaz hummingbird, commonly referred to simply as the ruby topaz, is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae, the mangoes. It is found in Aruba, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Colombia, Curaçao, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The ruby-topaz hummingbird is 8 to 9.5 cm (3.1 to 3.7 in) long and weighs 2.5 to 5 g (0.09 to 0.18 oz). Its almost straight, black bill is relatively short compared to those of most other hummingbirds. The male has dark brown upperparts with an olive gloss. Its crown and nape are glossy ruby red, and the throat and breast are usually iridescent golden though sometimes emerald green. The rest of the underparts are brown and the chestnut tail is tipped black. The female ruby-topaz hummingbird has bronze-green upperparts and pale grey underparts. Voice: The ruby-topaz hummingbird's song is "a doubled 'tliii...tliii...tliii'", which is usually given from a high perch.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Argentina.
When to see it
The Ruby-topaz Hummingbird can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Ruby-topaz Hummingbird?
- The ruby-topaz hummingbird is 8 to 9.5 cm (3.1 to 3.7 in) long and weighs 2.5 to 5 g (0.09 to 0.18 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Ruby-topaz Hummingbird?
- The Ruby-topaz Hummingbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 4 g.
- Where can you see a Ruby-topaz Hummingbird?
- The Ruby-topaz Hummingbird occurs in 14 countries, including Colombia, Trinidad & Tobago, Brazil, Caribbean Netherlands and Curaçao.
- What birds look similar to a Ruby-topaz Hummingbird?
- The Ruby-topaz Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Green-tailed Trainbearer, the Violet-fronted Brilliant and the Mexican Violetear.
- Is the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird endangered?
- The Ruby-topaz Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird for real
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