- Heliothryx barroti
Identification
Length: 10cm (4") Weight: 5.6g.
This bird is green with white underparts and a long tail. The upperparts are metallic, and its bill is straight and black. Males have a violet crown and forehead and a black mask. The tail is blue-black and the outer tail feathers are white. The females are similar, with a longer tail, but no violet crown.
Similar Species
The male of the very similar Black-eared Fairy lacks the purple crown, and females of the two species are identical, but there is no overlap in distribution.
Distribution
SE Mexico, through Central America and W. Colombia, to SW Ecuador.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species, which has been considered conspecific with Black-eared Fairy.
Habitat
Mid-levels and sub-canopy of humid forest and woodland; also lower levels in more open second growth, and shady gardens. Lowlands.
Behaviour
The bird catches small insects in the air, as well as gleaning them from foliage. When feeding on nectar, it pierces a small hole at the base of large flowers, giving access to nectar that otherwise only is accessible to hummingbirds with longer bills (e.g. Western Long-tailed Hermit). Its flight is light and graceful.
