Violet-headed Hummingbird
Klais guimeti
The Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti) is a uncommon hummingbird found in 10 countries, weighing about 3 g. The violet-headed hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae.
About the Violet-headed Hummingbird
The violet-headed hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is the only species in the genus Klais.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Violet-headed hummingbirds are on average 8.1 cm (3.2 in) in length with a short, straight bill that averages 13 mm (0.51 in) in length. The head and throat of the male are intense violet or blue (depending on the angle viewed) with white spots behind each eye that stands out against the dark head. The back is metallic bluish-green (or bronze-green depending on the angle) and breast is green fading to a grey belly. The tail is green with tiny white-grey tail spots. The wings are black. The female is duller with a blue cap, green back and grey throat, breast and belly.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Belize.
When to see it
The Violet-headed Hummingbird can be seen all year round, 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-headed Hummingbird?
- Violet-headed hummingbirds are on average 8.1 cm (3.2 in) in length with a short, straight bill that averages 13 mm (0.51 in) in length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Violet-headed Hummingbird?
- The Violet-headed Hummingbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 3 g.
- Where can you see a Violet-headed Hummingbird?
- The Violet-headed Hummingbird occurs in 10 countries, including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
- What birds look similar to a Violet-headed Hummingbird?
- The Violet-headed Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Buff-tailed Coronet, the Canivet's Emerald and the Fawn-breasted Brilliant.
- Is the Violet-headed Hummingbird endangered?
- The Violet-headed Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Violet-headed Hummingbird for real
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