Thalurania glaucopis
The Violet-capped Woodnymph (*Thalurania glaucopis*) is an enchanting medium-sized hummingbird, instantly recognizable by the male's dazzling iridescent plumage. Males boast a brilliant violet crown and nape, shimmering emerald-green upperparts, a sparkling green throat and chest, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly. Their deeply forked tail is purplish-black, providing a striking silhouette. Measuring typically 9-11 cm (3.5-4.3 inches) in length and weighing a mere 4-6 grams, their d...
This species thrives in humid Atlantic Forest, forest edges, clearings, and even suburban gardens and parks, typically found at low to mid-elevations, from sea level up to around 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).
Primarily feeds on nectar from a diverse array of flowering plants, but also supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, which are caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
Violet-capped Woodnymphs are diurnal and highly active, often observed trap-lining along a regular circuit of flowering plants to feed. Males are fiercely territorial, defending prime feeding grounds and actively chasing away intruders, including other hummingbirds and large insects. During court...
The Violet-capped Woodnymph is a resident species primarily found in the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern South America. Its core breeding and year-round range extends across eastern Brazil, encompassing states from Espírito Santo south through Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catari...
Least Concern
- The male's violet cap isn't always visible; the iridescent color shifts with the angle of light, appearing dull or brilliant depending on the viewer's perspective. - Like all hummingbirds, they have an incredibly high metabolism, requiring them to feed almost constantly throughout the day. - Th...