Chionomesa fimbriata
The Glittering-throated Emerald (Chionomesa fimbriata) is a small, dazzling hummingbird endemic to South America, renowned for its brilliant iridescent plumage. Measuring approximately 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 in) in length and weighing a mere 3.5-5 grams, this species exhibits a characteristically slender, slightly decurved black bill. Its most distinctive field mark is the shimmering, metallic green throat, which contrasts beautifully with its entirely green upperparts and generally whitish belly. ...
Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats including forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, riverine forests, plantations, parks, and gardens, typically from lowlands up to 1200 meters in elevation.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a wide array of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage.
Diurnal and highly active, the Glittering-throated Emerald spends its day foraging and defending its resources. Males are notably territorial, perching conspicuously on exposed branches and aggressively chasing away rivals or even larger birds from prime feeding grounds, often engaging in impress...
The Glittering-throated Emerald boasts an expansive year-round breeding range across northern and central South America. Its distribution stretches from the lowlands of Colombia, eastward through Venezuela and the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana), extending southwards into eastern Ecuado...
Least Concern
- The Glittering-throated Emerald, despite its small size, is a fierce defender of its nectar territories, often chasing away much larger birds. - Its iridescent throat feathers don't get their color from pigments, but from microscopic structures that reflect light in specific ways, creating a da...