Horned Sungem - BirdForum Opus

Heliactin bilophus

Photo by Arthur Grosset
Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. Male on the left.

Identification

Crown tufts of red, blue and gold, either side of its iridescent dark blue crown. Upperparts are bronzy-green, the throat and upper breast black, belly and sides of the neck are white. The tail is long and pointed and shows a dark V on white when seen in flight from below. The female similar but without the spectacular crown pattern or the black throat.

Distribution

Suriname, Brazil, and Bolivia.

Taxonomy

The Horned Sungem (Heliactin bilophus) is a monotypic species which is the only species of the genus Heliactin. The scientific name has changed from Heliactin cornuta and Heliactin bilopha to the current Heliactin bilophus.

Habitat

Woodland, grasslands and gallery forest.

Behaviour

Diet includes nectar of flowering bushes and trees as well as small insects.

• List of references

Recommended Citation

• BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Horned Sungem. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 29 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Horned_Sungem

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