The crowned woodnymph has a total length of about 3.5-4 inches. The male has brilliant green plumage on the top of its head, throat, and upper chest. The rest of the underparts are mostly greyish white. The upperparts and tail are mostly metallic bluish-green. The female is similar but has greener underparts, a smaller crown patch, and white tips on the tail feathers.
Both sexes have a long straight black bill and whitish undersides on the tail feathers. The juveniles resemble the adult female. Crowned woodnymphs are very small birds with high-metabolism, so they must constantly visit flowers to consume nectar throughout the day. Their wings beat incredibly fast, allowing them to hover in place or fly in any direction instantaneously.
Range and Habitat
The crowned woodnymph is found from Venezuela and Colombia down to Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Its natural habitats are humid forests, forest borders, second growth, plantations, and gardens from sea level up to 5,000 feet in elevation.
This species prefers semi-open areas and forest edges that provide a combination of shade and bright sunlight. Abundant flowers and flowering plants are a must, as the bird feeds primarily on nectar. It also takes some small insects such as spiders and flies.
Behavior and Diet
The feeding habits of the crowned woodnymph are typical for a hummingbird. It uses its specialized long bill and tongue to drink the nectar from flowers such as salvia, fuchsia, and angel trumpet. As it hovers near the flower, its wings may beat up to 70 times per second. Occasionally the bird will catch small insects in midair or probe into flowers for them.
Crowned woodnymphs are solitary and territorial. Males sing to mark their territories and attract females. They defend their flower-rich territories aggressively, chasing other hummingbirds away through acrobatic flying displays. Their call is a quick series of high-pitched squeaky chips.
Reproduction
In the breeding season, the male crowned woodnymph will perform courtship displays for visiting females. He flies back and forth in pendulum arcs above the female, singing his high-pitched song. If she is receptive, mating will occur. No actual nest is built; the female simply chooses a secure natural hollow in a protected site on a tree branch.
The female woodnymph lays two tiny white eggs. She incubates them alone for about 16-22 days until they hatch. The young chicks are fed regurgitated food by the female and fledge in about 20-26 days. Crowned woodnymphs typically have two broods per year.
Threats and Conservation
The crowned woodnymph has a wide range and is fairly common in suitable forest and garden habitats. Its populations appear to be stable, so it is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, there are some potential threats to its status.
Habitat loss from deforestation is always a concern, especially at higher elevations. Use of pesticides and herbicides can reduce its insect prey and nectar sources. Climate change and drought may also stress populations in certain areas. Promoting responsible forest management and reducing chemical use can help maintain crowned woodnymph numbers. More research is needed to better understand the ecology of this beautiful little hummingbird.
In Summary
With its iridescent green plumage and remarkably swift flight, the crowned woodnymph is one of South America’s most exquisite hummingbird species. It lives life in the fast lane, zipping from flower to flower across forest and garden landscapes. Maintaining healthy habitats is key to the continued success of these energetic pollinators. Though small, the crowned woodnymph fills an important niche in its ecosystem.