Colibri delphinae
The Brown Violetear (*Colibri delphinae*) stands out among its iridescent relatives with its distinctly dusky brown plumage, a characteristic that makes it uniquely identifiable. This medium-sized hummingbird, measuring approximately 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches) in length and weighing 6-8.5 grams, showcases large, iridescent violet-blue ear patches, particularly prominent in males. Its throat displays a less vibrant green gorget compared to other *Colibri* species, often appearing olive-green or...
Primarily inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and clearings, typically found at elevations between 1,000 to 2,800 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplementing its diet with small insects and spiders captured in flight or gleaned from vegetation.
Brown Violetears are diurnal and highly active during daylight hours, often perching conspicuously on exposed branches; they roost solitarily in dense vegetation at night. Foraging is a mix of 'trapline' feeding, where individuals repeatedly visit a fixed circuit of flowers, and opportunistic gle...
The Brown Violetear's distribution spans a significant portion of Central and South America, primarily within humid montane and cloud forest ecosystems. Its breeding range extends from the highlands of Costa Rica (notably the Cordillera de Talamanca) and western Panama (Chiriquà and Veraguas prov...
Least Concern
- The Brown Violetear is often considered the largest of the violetear hummingbirds, despite its rather somber plumage compared to its relatives. - Unlike most *Colibri* species, its body plumage is predominantly dusky brown, with iridescence largely confined to its ear patches and throat. - They...