Talaphorus chlorocercus
The Olive-spotted Hummingbird, *Talaphorus chlorocercus*, is a captivating neotropical species renowned for its subtle beauty rather than flashy iridescence. Measuring a delicate 8-9 cm in length and weighing between 3.5-4.5 grams, it presents a generally olive-green plumage that camouflages it effectively within its humid forest habitat. Distinctive field marks include a prominent white post-ocular spot, a feature that aids in identification among similar species, and a noticeably green tail...
This species primarily inhabits humid lowland tropical and subtropical forests, frequently found along forest edges, in riparian zones, and in clearings, typically at elevations below 1000 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of nectar collected from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small arthropods (insects and spiders) which are either caught in mid-air or gleaned from foliage.
Olive-spotted Hummingbirds exhibit a combination of traplining and territorial foraging strategies, visiting a circuit of flowering plants for nectar and occasionally defending particularly rich patches. They are active during daylight hours, often observed darting through the understory or hover...
The Olive-spotted Hummingbird has a relatively widespread distribution across the western and central Amazon basin in South America. Its breeding range encompasses southeastern Colombia, extending through eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, and into northern Bolivia. It also occurs across signifi...
Least Concern
- The Olive-spotted Hummingbird's scientific name, *chlorocercus*, literally means "green-tailed" in Ancient Greek, a direct reference to its distinguishing tail color. - Despite their small size, hummingbirds like this species can beat their wings an astonishing 50-80 times per second, creating ...