Colibri serrirostris
The White-vented Violetear, *Colibri serrirostris*, is a strikingly iridescent, medium-sized hummingbird found across south-central and eastern South America. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 in) in length and weighing around 5-7 grams (0.18-0.25 oz), its plumage is predominantly a brilliant metallic green. Key identification marks include prominent, deep violet-blue ear patches that give the genus its name, a bright iridescent blue malar streak often forming a band across the lower ...
This species primarily inhabits semi-open areas, including dry woodlands, cerrado, savannas, forest edges, and often ventures into gardens and urban parks. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters.
Its primary diet consists of nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small arthropods, such as insects and spiders, which are caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
White-vented Violetears are diurnal and highly active, spending their days foraging for nectar and insects, and typically roosting in dense vegetation at night. They exhibit a 'trap-lining' foraging strategy, visiting a regular circuit of flowering plants, but are also fiercely territorial, aggre...
The White-vented Violetear is widely distributed across south-central and eastern South America, primarily as a resident species. Its core breeding range encompasses much of eastern Bolivia, central and southern Brazil, Paraguay, and extends into northeastern Argentina. Within Brazil, it is commo...
Least Concern
- The 'violetear' in its name refers to the distinctive, iridescent violet-blue patches on its cheeks, which flash brilliantly in sunlight. - Despite its name, the White-vented Violetear's bill, while slightly decurved, does not possess prominent serrations, unlike what the specific epithet 'serr...