Chrysuronia oenone
The Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone) is a dazzling medium-sized hummingbird, measuring approximately 8-9 cm (3.1-3.5 in) in length and weighing around 3.5-4.5 grams. Adult males are striking with an iridescent green body, a shimmering violet-blue throat, a brilliant blue upper breast, and a distinctive golden-bronze tail, which gives the species its common name. Their bill is straight and black. Females exhibit green upperparts, often with dusky streaks, and whitish underparts heav...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and clearings. It can also be found in secondary growth, plantations, and gardens, typically at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1500 meters, occasionally higher.
Their primary diet consists of nectar from a diverse array of flowering plants. This is supplemented with small insects and spiders, which they catch in flight (hawking) or glean from foliage, providing essential protein.
Golden-tailed Sapphires are diurnal and highly active birds, constantly darting among flowering plants. They are primarily solitary, roosting alone in dense foliage overnight. Their foraging strategy involves hovering to extract nectar from a wide variety of flowers, often exhibiting 'trap-lining...
The Golden-tailed Sapphire is a resident species found across a broad swathe of northern South America. Its distribution spans eastern Colombia, extends through Venezuela and the island of Trinidad, continues into eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and finally northwestern Brazil. This range primaril...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'oenone' refers to a beautiful nymph in Greek mythology, aptly describing the species' elegant appearance. - Its distinctly golden-bronze tail is one of the most reliable field marks for identifying this species, especially the male. - Despite its vibrant colors, the Golden-...