Chrysuronia brevirostris
The White-chested Emerald (*Chrysuronia brevirostris*) is a captivating medium-sized hummingbird, instantly recognizable by its dazzling iridescent green plumage juxtaposed against a strikingly clean white chest and belly. Measuring approximately 9-10 cm (3.5-3.9 inches) in length and weighing 4.0-5.5 grams, it presents a delicate yet robust appearance. Its most distinctive field mark is the relatively short, straight bill, which is blackish on the upper mandible and a bright reddish-pink wit...
This adaptable hummingbird favors a variety of open to semi-open environments, including forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, plantations, gardens, and savannas. It typically occurs in lowlands and foothills, generally up to 1200 meters (3,900 feet) in elevation.
The primary diet consists of nectar, collected by hovering while inserting their long tongues into flowers, supplemented by small arthropods, which are typically caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation.
White-chested Emeralds are primarily diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, often spending nights in sheltered perches within dense vegetation. They are classic 'trap-line' foragers, systematically visiting a circuit of flowering plants for nectar, but also readily hawk small insects in mid-air or gl...
The White-chested Emerald is widely distributed across northeastern South America, extending from central and eastern Colombia, across northern and eastern Venezuela, and throughout Trinidad. Its range continues eastward through the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana) and into northern ...
Least Concern
- White-chested Emeralds can beat their wings an astounding 50-80 times per second, allowing for their characteristic hovering flight. - Despite their small size, they are remarkably aggressive, often seen chasing away much larger birds, including hawks, from their territories. - Their bicolored ...