Plate 005 · singing from an alder IdentificationFive marks on the plate
- 1Violet ear-tufts fanned out when singing.
- 2Violet on the chin too, typical of this species.
- 3Blue-violet patch in the centre of the belly.
- 4Dark band near the tip of the tail.
- 5Black bill, slightly curved; open when singing.
Easily confused with Red-tailed CometSappho sparganurusLong, forked red tail. No violet ear-tufts. Giant HummingbirdPatagona gigasMuch larger and brown, with a white rump. 005 / 100 · BIRDS · TROCHILIDAELEAST CONCERN Sparkling Violetear
Colibri coruscans
Colibrí grande · Sparkling Violet-ear
One of the largest hummingbirds in the northwest. The male picks a high, exposed twig and sings for hours, his violet ear-tufts fanned out. In Tucumán it is found along the upper edge of the forest and in the high valleys.
- Length
- c. 13 – 15 cm
- Weight
- c. 7 – 8 g
- Altitude
- c. 1,700 – 3,500 m
- Song
- Repeated chip, all day long
- Nectar feeder
- Persistent singer
- Territorial
- Forest edge
Altitude rangeAt the top of the forest
Usual range Uses forest edges, alder woods, scrub and high-country gardens. In Aconquija National Park it has been recorded in the Cochuna forest.
FoodNectar and insects
- Nectartubular flowers of trees and shrubs
- Garden flowersalso uses cultivated plants
- Small insectscaught in flight
It fiercely defends flowering shrubs and drives off smaller hummingbirds.
BehaviourSings and defends
- Non-stop song. Repeats a dry note from a high perch, sometimes for hours.
- Highly territorial. Chases other hummingbirds and even large insects.
- Solitary. Male and female meet only to court. The female raises the young alone.
Where to look in Tucumán- Tafí del Valle (RP 307)
- PN Aconquija
- Cuesta del Clavillo
- Los Ñuñorcos