Violet-capped Hummingbird

Goldmania violiceps

Hummingbirds · Apodiformes · Rare

The Violet-capped Hummingbird (Goldmania violiceps) is a rare hummingbird found in 2 countries, weighing about 4 g. The violet-capped hummingbird is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae.

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About the Violet-capped Hummingbird

The violet-capped hummingbird is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Panama and far northwestern Colombia.

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

How to identify it

The violet-capped hummingbird is 8.5 to 9.5 cm (3.3 to 3.7 in) long. Males weigh 3.8 to 4.4 g (0.13 to 0.16 oz) and females 3.4 to 3.9 g (0.12 to 0.14 oz). Both sexes have a straight bill that is mostly black with a pink base to the mandible. The male's crown is iridescent violet-blue and most of the rest of the body is metallic green. Its tail is slightly forked and maroon with wide white edges to the feathers. The female has green upperparts and whitish underparts with gray spots on the throat and green ones along the side. Its tail feathers are maroon with white tips. Voice: The violet-capped hummingbird's song is "a low, rapid chirping." Its call is "a series of irregularly repeated, very nasal and fairly low-pitched notes, 'kyek...kyek-kyek-kyek...kyek...'" that is typically given while hovering or feeding.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia.

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Violet-capped Hummingbird?
The violet-capped hummingbird is 8.5 to 9.5 cm (3.3 to 3.7 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Violet-capped Hummingbird?
The Violet-capped Hummingbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 4 g.
Where can you see a Violet-capped Hummingbird?
The Violet-capped Hummingbird occurs in 2 countries, including Panama.
What birds look similar to a Violet-capped Hummingbird?
The Violet-capped Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Pirre Hummingbird.
Is the Violet-capped Hummingbird endangered?
The Violet-capped Hummingbird is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Violet-capped Hummingbird 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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