Stephanoxis lalandi
The Green-crowned Plovercrest (Stephanoxis lalandi) is a striking, small hummingbird, belonging to the family Trochilidae, characterized by its distinctive iridescent green crest. Despite its common name, it is not related to plovers but is a true hummingbird, notable for its unique head ornamentation. Males typically measure around 8.5-9.5 cm in length and weigh 3.0-4.5 grams, presenting a brilliant metallic green crown and a prominent, pointed green crest that can be raised, coupled with a ...
Primarily inhabits humid Atlantic Forest and its edges, preferring dense undergrowth and second-growth woodlands. Typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, complemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from leaves or caught in flight.
Green-crowned Plovercrests are largely solitary birds, active during daylight hours, often perching inconspicuously within dense vegetation to conserve energy. They employ a trap-lining foraging strategy, regularly visiting a circuit of flowers for nectar, and also hawk small insects in mid-air o...
The Green-crowned Plovercrest is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern South America. Its primary range is in southeastern Brazil, extending from Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais south through Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Small, isolated ...
Least Concern
- The "Plovercrest" in its name is a complete misnomer; it's a hummingbird, not related to plovers, likely named by an early observer unfamiliar with hummingbirds. - Males possess an extraordinary pointed iridescent green crest that can be raised or lowered, used prominently in courtship displays...