About the Sparkling Violetear
The sparkling violetear is a species of hummingbird widespread in highlands of northern and western South America, including a large part of the Andes, the Venezuelan Coastal Range, and the Tepuis. It occurs in a wide range of semi-open habitats, even in gardens and parks within major cities such as Quito, and is often the most common species of hummingbird in its range. It is highly vocal and territorial.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The sparkling violetear is the largest violetear at 13 to 14 cm (5 to 5.5 in) long. Male birds weigh 5.8 to 8.5 g (0.20 to 0.30 oz) and females 6 to 7.5 g (0.21 to 0.26 oz). The nominate male's upperparts are metallic bluish green, the chin bluish violet, the belly blue, and the rest of the underparts green. Long erectile bluish violet plumes cover the ears. The tail is metallic green with a steely blue band near the end. Females are similar but smaller, and often have a white spot behind the eye. C. c. Voice: The sparkling violetear is very vocal. Its principal song is "a long series of monosyllabic metallic chips, 'djit...djit...djit...' or 'tlik...tlik...tlik..'." It also sings "a medley of chips, squeals, gurgling sounds and short warbles" during aerial display. Its call is "a repeated short dry rattle 'drrr...drrr...'."
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Sparkling Violetear sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Guyana.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Lesser VioletearColibri cyanotusThe lesser violetear is roughly medium-sized by hummingbird standards.
Brown VioletearColibri delphinaeThe brown violetear is a large hummingbird that breeds at middle elevations in the mountains in Central America, and western and northern South America with isolated populations on Trinidad and in the Brazilian state Bahia.
Mexican VioletearColibri thalassinusThe Mexican violetear is roughly medium-sized by hummingbird standards.
Side by side: Lesser Violetear vs Sparkling Violetear
Learn the Sparkling Violetear for real
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