Chlorostilbon lucidus
The Glittering-bellied Emerald (Chlorostilbon lucidus) is a vibrant, small hummingbird belonging to the 'emeralds' in the Trochilidae family, often considered closely related to other species within the genus *Chlorostilbon*. Males are particularly striking, adorned with brilliant iridescent green plumage across most of their body, extending to a dazzling, 'glittering' emerald green on the belly and undertail coverts, contrasting with a slightly darker, often forked, metallic blue-black tail....
This species primarily inhabits open and semi-open habitats, including forest edges, clearings, scrubland, savannas, parks, and gardens. It is typically found from sea level up to around 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in elevation.
The primary diet consists of nectar, collected from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders. Nectar is obtained by hovering while probing flowers, and insects are caught mid-flight or gleaned from vegetation.
Glittering-bellied Emeralds are highly active diurnal birds, often seen darting between flowering plants from dawn to dusk, typically roosting inconspicuously in dense vegetation at night. Foraging involves a combination of hovering gracefully to sip nectar from flowers and snatching small insect...
The Glittering-bellied Emerald is widespread across a significant portion of south-central South America. Its breeding range extends from eastern Bolivia and central and southern Brazil, south through Paraguay and Uruguay, and into northeastern Argentina. Within Argentina, it is found in province...
Least Concern
- The male Glittering-bellied Emerald's iridescence is structural, not pigment-based, meaning the color changes depending on the angle of light, creating its 'glittering' effect. - Despite its small size, it can beat its wings up to 80 times per second, allowing for its characteristic hovering fl...