Violet-chested Hummingbird

Sternoclyta cyanopectus

Hummingbirds · Apodiformes · Rare

The Violet-chested Hummingbird (Sternoclyta cyanopectus) is a rare hummingbird found in 2 countries, weighing about 8 g. The violet-chested hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "mountain gems", tribe Lampornithini in subfamily Trochilinae.

Least ConcernRareEats nectarforestcup nest8 g

About the Violet-chested Hummingbird

The violet-chested hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "mountain gems", tribe Lampornithini in subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.

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

How to identify it

The violet-chested hummingbird is 11.4 to 13 cm (4.5 to 5.1 in) long. Males weigh 7 to 9.4 g (0.25 to 0.33 oz) and females 4.0 to 10.3 g (0.14 to 0.36 oz). Both sexes have a decurved black bill, with the male's being longer, and a small white spot behind the eye. Adult males have shining grass green upperparts. Their gorget is glittering emerald green with a patch of glittering violet blue below it on the breast. The rest of the underparts are grayish buff with golden-green spots on the flanks. The tail is bronze with small white tips on the outer feathers. Voice: The violet-chested hummingbird's primary song is a "series of sharp 'chit! ... chit! ... chit!...' notes". Another song is "'chip' and 'weet' notes together with short, squeaky trills". While foraging it makes "loud, staccato chipping notes".

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia.

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, December, 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 Violet-chested Hummingbird?
The violet-chested hummingbird is 11.4 to 13 cm (4.5 to 5.1 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Violet-chested Hummingbird?
The Violet-chested Hummingbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 8 g.
Where can you see a Violet-chested Hummingbird?
The Violet-chested Hummingbird occurs in 2 countries, including Venezuela.
What birds look similar to a Violet-chested Hummingbird?
The Violet-chested Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Hoary Puffleg, the Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird and the Streak-throated Hermit.
Is the Violet-chested Hummingbird endangered?
The Violet-chested Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Violet-chested Hummingbird for real

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