The Brown Violetear Hummingbird (Colibri delphinae) is a medium-sized hummingbird found in tropical regions of Central and South America. With its vibrant violet ear tufts and bright green plumage, this striking bird has captured the fascination of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.
Description
The brown violetear hummingbird averages around 8-9 centimeters in length and weighs 4-5 grams. As its name suggests, the most distinctive feature of this species are the velvety violet or dark blue-colored feathers protruding horizontally from the nape of the neck that resemble “ears.” The upperparts and crown are an iridescent emerald green while the underparts are mostly white. The straight black bill is proportionate to its body size. The females are similar in plumage to the males, although slightly duller in color. Juveniles appear much greener overall until they molt into their mature plumage.
Distribution and Habitat
The brown violetear has a wide distribution across Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Its range stretches from southern Mexico south to Peru and central Brazil. It resides primarily in tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, plantations, and gardens at elevations up to 2600 m. This hummingbird is quite adaptable and can occupy both pristine and degraded forest habitats.
Food and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the brown violetear feeds on nectar from blooming flowers and flowering trees using its specialized long bill and tongue. Some favorite food plants include Bomarea, Fuchsia, Salvia, Psittacanthus, Erythrina, Inga, and bromeliads. This species traplines, repeatedly visiting productive flowers over a circuit of locations. The brown violetear also consumes small insects and spiders to obtain protein, minerals, and nutrients that nectar lacks. Aerial foraging is used to catch small flying insects.
Behavior
The brown violetear hummingbird is solitary and territorial. Males establish territories centered around patches of flowers or prime perching sites. They advertise their territories by singing from high perches. Their vocalizations sound like sharp, squeaky chips and chatters. Aggressive displays like chases and dive displays are used against intruding males or other hummingbirds encroaching on defended resources. Females may also show some territorial behavior.
Brown violetears have a swift, strong flight with wings that beat up to 15 times per second. They can fly fast in a straight line or hover in place. Their wings allow for precise maneuverability which aids in territory patrols and accessing nectar from different flower shapes and orientations. This species is active throughout the day, starting early in the morning when flowers open. At night, they enter torpor to conserve energy.
Breeding
The breeding season of the brown violetear varies across its range, typically starting at the onset of rainy periods which stimulates flowering. In Central America, breeding occurs from March to July while populations in South America breed August to November. Courtship consists of aerial displays where males dive and swoop dramatically to impress females.
Brown violetear nests are small, compact cups attached to branches in trees or shrubs up to 16 m above ground. The female builds the nest out of plant down, cobwebs, and lichens bound with spider silk. She lays two white eggs and incubates them alone for 15-19 days. The chicks are fed regurgitated food by the female and fledge after 22-26 days. Brown violetears face nest predation from monkeys, tree-climbing snakes, and toucans.
Conservation Status
The brown violetear has a very large extent of occurrence estimated over 4 million square kilometers. Its population trend is currently decreasing, but the rate of decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for a threatened category. Therefore, the brown violetear is evaluated as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, localized threats from habitat loss and fragmentation may impact some populations.
Appreciating the Brown Violetear
The regal beauty and aerial mastery of the brown violetear provide this hummingbird well-deserved admiration from bird enthusiasts. Its emerald and violet plumage shimmering in the light as it hovers at a flower has captivated naturalists for centuries. Conservation of tropical forests and suitable habitats within its range are vital for ensuring thriving populations of this species into the future. With appropriate habitat protection, bird lovers will be able to continue observing and photographing this gorgeous hummingbird. The brown violetear serves as an important pollinator for plants across the Neotropics as well, thereby benefitting the broader ecosystem.