Introduction
The Brazilian Ruby (Heliodoxa rubricauda) is a hummingbird in the family Trochilidae and is endemic to Brazil. It occurs mainly in the Atlantic Forest of eastern and southeastern Brazil, where it visits flowering plants in forests, woodland edges, gardens, parks and plantations. Its former placement in the separate genus Clytolaema is still encountered in some older references.
Physical Description
The Brazilian Ruby is a medium-sized hummingbird measuring approximately 11 centimetres in length. It shows marked sexual dimorphism.
The adult male is predominantly green, with a brilliant ruby-red throat and upper breast that can appear dark or black in shaded forest. The forehead and breast may show vivid green iridescence, while the tail is distinctly reddish or rufous. Small white patches behind the eyes are visible in both sexes.
The female is generally less brightly coloured. She has a green head and upperparts, cinnamon or buff underparts, and a reddish tail. Young birds and immature males are usually duller than adults, and developing plumage can make sex and age more difficult to assess in the field.
Range and Habitat
The Brazilian Ruby is endemic to Brazil. Its range extends through the Atlantic Forest region from Bahia southwards to Rio Grande do Sul, including much of southeastern Brazil. It is a monotypic species, with no widely recognised subspecies.
It uses the interior and edges of humid forest, secondary woodland, scrub, gardens, parks, banana plantations and other areas with flowering vegetation. The species is most numerous at lower elevations, but it also occurs in montane habitats and has been documented well above 1,500 metres, including records from high elevations in Itatiaia National Park.
The Brazilian Ruby is primarily sedentary, although local seasonal movements, including movements up or down mountain slopes, may occur. Its ability to use gardens, parks and plantations allows it to persist in some modified landscapes, but suitable native vegetation remains important for reliable food and nesting resources.
Where to See This Species
Itatiaia National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Brazilian Ruby is documented within Itatiaia National Park, including records from high-elevation areas. Look for it in Atlantic Forest, forest edges and flowering vegetation, particularly during periods of strong bird activity in the morning. The park contains a broad range of elevations and habitats, so local conditions can vary considerably between the lower and upper sections.
Nearby accommodation: The practical bases are Itatiaia and Penedo, with hotels, guest houses, inns and self-catering accommodation. Some visitors also stay in the park’s surrounding mountain communities.
Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The species is included in the park’s bird guide and can be sought in the forested hills, clearings and flowering areas of this accessible Atlantic Forest reserve. Early morning visits are generally the most productive for hummingbird activity. As the park is surrounded by the city, it is a realistic option for visitors staying in Rio de Janeiro.
Nearby accommodation: Rio de Janeiro provides the nearest and widest choice of hotels, guest houses, hostels and self-catering accommodation.
Pedra Selada State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Brazilian Ruby has been recorded during organised bird-observation activities in Pedra Selada State Park in the Serra da Mantiqueira. The park’s forested slopes, clearings and flowering plants provide suitable habitat, and the species may be encountered along accessible trails and around other areas where native vegetation is retained.
Nearby accommodation: Visconde de Mauá and the surrounding settlements provide pousadas, guest houses, cabins and self-catering accommodation, while Resende offers a broader range of hotels and services.
Behaviour and Diet
The Brazilian Ruby is usually seen alone, although several individuals may visit the same flowering area. Males commonly defend feeding territories and may chase away other hummingbirds or intruding pollinators. Territorial encounters can include rapid chases, hovering and short aerial displays.
Nectar from a wide variety of native and introduced flowers forms the main part of the diet. The bird also captures small insects, often by making short sorties from a perch. By moving pollen between flowers, it contributes to pollination within the forest and in cultivated or garden habitats.
Breeding has been recorded mainly from November to March, although nesting may not be restricted to this period in every part of the range. The female builds a small cup-shaped nest from soft plant material, with lichens and other material attached to the outside, usually on a horizontal branch or in a fork. She incubates the two white eggs and cares for the young without assistance from the male.
Identification Tips
- Look for a hummingbird of about 11 centimetres with a notably reddish tail.
- Adult males show a striking ruby-red throat and upper breast, contrasting with green iridescence on the head and body.
- Females are duller, with cinnamon or buff underparts, a green head and a reddish tail.
- White markings behind the eye can be useful when the bird is perched or briefly hovering in good light.
- The throat colour may look black in shade and become ruby-red only when the bird turns towards the light.
- Forest edges, flowering shrubs, gardens and hummingbird feeders can all attract the species, but its reddish tail and strongly contrasting male throat are the most useful field marks.
Conservation Status
The Brazilian Ruby is currently assessed as Least Concern. Its population size and long-term population trend are not known with confidence, but the species has a broad distribution and occurs in numerous protected areas.
It is not considered immediately threatened at the global level. Nevertheless, the continued loss and fragmentation of Atlantic Forest, together with the degradation of flowering resources, can reduce habitat quality locally. Protecting forest remnants, maintaining habitat connections and conserving native flowering plants remain important measures for the species and for the wider hummingbird community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Brazilian Ruby live?
The Brazilian Ruby is endemic to Brazil and is found mainly in the Atlantic Forest from Bahia south to Rio Grande do Sul. It uses forest, woodland edges, scrub, gardens, parks and plantations.
What does the Brazilian Ruby look like?
The male is green with a brilliant ruby-red throat and a reddish tail. The female is less colourful, with green upperparts, cinnamon or buff underparts and a reddish tail.
What does the Brazilian Ruby eat?
It feeds mainly on nectar from a wide range of flowers. It also takes small insects, which provide additional protein and nutrients.
Is the Brazilian Ruby migratory?
It is considered mainly sedentary, although local seasonal movements, particularly along elevational gradients, may occur.
When does the Brazilian Ruby breed?
Breeding has been recorded mainly from November to March. The female builds the nest, incubates the eggs and raises the young.
Is the Brazilian Ruby endangered?
No. The species is currently classified as Least Concern, although habitat loss and fragmentation remain important local conservation concerns in the Atlantic Forest.
References
- IOC World Bird List
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds of the World
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
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