Riccordia bracei
The Brace's Emerald, *Riccordia bracei*, was a diminutive and exquisitely iridescent hummingbird, a gem tragically lost to the natural world. Known primarily from a single male specimen collected in 1859, this species measured approximately 8-9 cm in length, making it slightly smaller than its close relative, the Cuban Emerald (*Riccordia ricordii*). Its plumage was characterized by a brilliant metallic green, particularly on the crown, back, and throat, transitioning to a duller greenish-gre...
Historically, this species inhabited coastal lowland dry scrub forests and open woodlands on New Providence Island, Bahamas, likely favoring areas rich in flowering plants.
Presumed to have fed primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
Due to its extinction and the scant historical records, specific behavioral patterns of Brace's Emerald are largely inferred from related hummingbird species. Like its relatives, it was likely diurnal, actively foraging for nectar throughout the day and perching discreetly on branches to rest. Fo...
The Brace's Emerald was historically endemic to the island of New Providence in the Bahamas, specifically known from the vicinity of Nassau. Its range was exceptionally restricted, likely confined to specific coastal lowland habitats within this single island. There are no records of it occurring...
Extinct
- The Brace's Emerald is known from a single male specimen, collected in 1859 by L.J.K. Brace on New Providence Island, Bahamas. - This species was originally described by John Gould in 1860, making it one of the earliest scientifically documented hummingbirds from the Caribbean. - Its presumed e...