Hyliota violacea
The Violet-backed Hyliota (Hyliota violacea) is a striking, small passerine bird endemic to the dense rainforests of West-Central Africa, renowned for the male's iridescent plumage. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches) in length and weighing between 9-14 grams, males exhibit a dazzling, glossy violet-blue back, tail, and wings that starkly contrast with their pristine white underparts and a distinctive dark mask across the eyes. Females, by comparison, are more subtly attired wit...
Primarily found in lowland evergreen rainforests, often utilizing the mid-canopy and canopy layers, as well as forest edges and mature secondary growth. It typically occurs at elevations below 1,000 meters.
Feeds almost exclusively on insects, including caterpillars, beetles, ants, termites, and other small arthropods, primarily gleaned from foliage and branches or caught in flight.
The Violet-backed Hyliota is an active, diurnal insectivore, spending much of its time gleaning insects from the foliage and small branches in the forest canopy. It also employs sallying techniques, darting out from a perch to catch flying insects mid-air. This species is often observed solitaril...
The Violet-backed Hyliota is a resident species distributed across the lowland evergreen rainforests of West-Central Africa. Its range extends from southeastern Nigeria (where it is considered rare and localized), through southern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko island), Gabon, the R...
Least Concern
- The male's iridescent violet back can appear black in dim light, but flashes brilliant purple in direct sunlight, making identification tricky in varying conditions. - Its family, Hyliotidae, was only recognized as distinct in the early 21st century, highlighting its unique evolutionary path se...