Heliothryx barroti
The Purple-crowned Fairy, *Heliothryx barroti*, is a strikingly beautiful and agile hummingbird, immediately recognizable by its iridescent violet-purple crown that glows in the sunlight. This diminutive species measures approximately 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 in) in length, including its distinctive, deeply forked tail, and weighs a mere 4-6 grams. Both sexes display brilliant metallic grass-green upperparts, pure white underparts, and a small but prominent white post-ocular spot, though the male's ...
Found primarily in humid evergreen forests, forest edges, and second growth, often near streams. It inhabits low to mid-elevations, typically from sea level up to 1,500 meters (5,000 feet).
Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of flowering plants, but also actively catches small insects in flight (hawking) and gleans them from foliage.
Purple-crowned Fairies are diurnal and highly active, spending their days foraging for nectar and insects. They are generally solitary, though they may aggregate at rich flowering sources without forming true flocks. Males are territorial, often defending prime feeding areas from conspecifics and...
The Purple-crowned Fairy is a resident species distributed throughout Central America and into northwestern South America. Its primary range extends from southeastern Honduras, through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and south into western Colombia and western Ecuador. It is found predominantl...
Least Concern
- The 'fairy' in its name perfectly describes its delicate appearance and graceful flight. - Unlike many hummingbirds that prefer open areas, the Purple-crowned Fairy is often found deep within the forest understory. - Its brilliant violet-purple crown can appear dull or black in poor light, only...