Sapphire-vented Puffleg

Eriocnemis luciani

Hummingbirds · Apodiformes · Rare

The Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani) is a rare hummingbird found in 3 countries, weighing about 6 g. The sapphire-vented puffleg is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae.

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About the Sapphire-vented Puffleg

The sapphire-vented puffleg is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and possibly Venezuela.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The sapphire-vented puffleg is 11.4 to 14 cm (4.5 to 5.5 in) long and weighs 5.4 to 6.4 g (0.19 to 0.23 oz). It has a straight black bill. The nominate subspecies' male has metallic grass green upperparts with a shining dark blue forecrown. Its underparts are mostly glittering golden green with a glittering purple vent and undertail coverts. Its leg puffs are white and the tail is deeply forked and blue-black. The female is slightly smaller, with a less deeply forked tail, but has the same plumage. Subspecies E. l. Voice: The sapphire-vented puffleg's call is described as a "sharp tirr tirr".

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia.

When to see it

The Sapphire-vented Puffleg can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Sapphire-vented Puffleg?
The sapphire-vented puffleg is 11.4 to 14 cm (4.5 to 5.5 in) long and weighs 5.4 to 6.4 g (0.19 to 0.23 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Sapphire-vented Puffleg?
The Sapphire-vented Puffleg is a tiny sized bird weighing about 6 g.
Where can you see a Sapphire-vented Puffleg?
The Sapphire-vented Puffleg occurs in 3 countries, including Ecuador and Peru.
What birds look similar to a Sapphire-vented Puffleg?
The Sapphire-vented Puffleg is most easily confused with the Golden-breasted Puffleg, the Black-thighed Puffleg and the Coppery-bellied Puffleg.

Learn the Sapphire-vented Puffleg for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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