White-tufted Sunbeam
Aglaeactis castelnaudii
The White-tufted Sunbeam (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) is a rare hummingbird found only in Peru, weighing about 7 g. The white-tufted sunbeam is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae.
About the White-tufted Sunbeam
The white-tufted sunbeam is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found only in Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forest and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
An adult white-tufted sunbeam is approximately 12 cm in height and weighs 7- 8.5 g. The bill is straight and black and there is a notable patch of white feathers directly under the chin on the breast. The rest of the body is described as tawny and darkly-colored. There are iridescent feathers on the back of the bird that are most noticeable in flight and while hovering. Males and females of the species exhibit subtle sexual dimorphism. Males are fuscous-black on their upper backs with a magenta reflection on their rump and lower back. Their tails are forked. Voice: Like many hummingbirds, the white-tufted sunbeam has a very soft and inconspicuous call. Vocalizations include a repeated tzit call and, during chases, a twittering series of titi-tsreet-tsreet-tsreet sounds. The latter is used during hostile situations only. The white-tufted sunbeam can also emit a thin, high-pitched seeeuuu noise.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, 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 White-tufted Sunbeam?
- An adult white-tufted sunbeam is approximately 12 cm in height and weighs 7- 8.5 g. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-tufted Sunbeam?
- The White-tufted Sunbeam is a tiny sized bird weighing about 7 g.
- Where can you see a White-tufted Sunbeam?
- The White-tufted Sunbeam is endemic to Peru, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a White-tufted Sunbeam?
- The White-tufted Sunbeam is most easily confused with the Black-hooded Sunbeam, the Purple-backed Sunbeam and the Shining Sunbeam.
- Is the White-tufted Sunbeam endangered?
- The White-tufted Sunbeam is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-tufted Sunbeam for real
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