Heliodoxa schreibersii
The Black-throated Brilliant (*Heliodoxa schreibersii*) is a striking medium-sized hummingbird, typically measuring 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches) in length with an average weight of 6.5-8.5 grams. Males are instantly recognizable by their iridescent emerald-green body, a diagnostic deep velvety black throat (gorget), a glittering violet-blue crown, and a small but distinct white postocular spot. Their tail is dark and deeply forked. Females exhibit less iridescence, with green upperparts, a whiti...
Primarily inhabiting subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, this species is typically found at forest edges, clearings, and mature secondary growth at elevations ranging from 600 to 1800 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar extracted from a diverse array of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or expertly caught in flight.
Black-throated Brilliants are mostly diurnal and solitary, dedicating their days to active foraging for nectar and insects. They often employ a 'traplining' foraging strategy, systematically visiting a circuit of flowering plants, though dominant males will also aggressively defend particularly r...
The Black-throated Brilliant is endemic to the humid montane forests along the eastern slopes of the Andes in South America, spanning Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The nominate subspecies, *Heliodoxa schreibersii schreibersii*, is distributed from southern Colombia through eastern Ecuador and into...
Least Concern
- The Black-throated Brilliant's scientific name honors Carl von Schreibers, an Austrian naturalist, reflecting the tradition of naming species after notable figures. - Males possess one of the most striking and darkest gorgets among all hummingbird species, appearing velvety black rather than ir...