Introduction
The Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans) is a large, widespread hummingbird of the highlands of northern and western South America. It is recognised by its brilliant green plumage, violet-blue ear patches and blue throat and breast markings. The species occurs in the Andes and several associated mountain ranges, where it uses both natural habitats and well-planted gardens.
Physical Description
At approximately 13–14 centimetres long, the Sparkling Violetear is one of the larger members of the violetear group. Adults have metallic green upperparts, a green belly, a blue or violet-blue throat and breast, and conspicuous elongated violet-blue feathers behind the eyes. The tail is moderately rounded and metallic green, sometimes showing a bluish band near the tip. The bill is short to medium-length and slightly curved.
Males and females are broadly similar in colour, although females are generally smaller and may show a more noticeable pale or white mark behind the eye. Immature birds are usually duller, with less strongly developed violet ear patches and less intense blue on the throat and breast.
Range and Habitat
The Sparkling Violetear is distributed from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, extending south into northern Chile and north-western Argentina. It also occurs in the Venezuelan Coastal Range, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and other isolated mountain regions, as well as the tepui highlands of southern Venezuela and adjacent areas.
It occupies a broad range of open and semi-open montane habitats, including forest edges, woodland, scrub, agricultural landscapes, plantations, parks and gardens. It is particularly adaptable around towns and cities where flowering plants are available. The species is generally resident, although local movements between elevations or feeding areas may occur. Geographic variation includes the recognised subspecies C. c. coruscans and C. c. germanus.
Where to See This Species
Cajas National Park, Azuay, Ecuador
The Sparkling Violetear is included in bird checklists for Cajas National Park, where it can be sought in high-elevation shrubland, woodland edges and other open montane habitats. The park is a realistic location for observing Andean hummingbirds, although weather and elevation can affect activity.
Nearby accommodation: Cuenca is the main gateway, with hotels, guest houses, lodges and self-catering accommodation available in and around the city.
Tapichalaca Reserve, Zamora-Chinchipe, Ecuador
Tapichalaca Reserve records the Sparkling Violetear as a resident species. Look around forest edges, clearings, flowering plants and other semi-open areas within the reserve, particularly during periods of active feeding.
Nearby accommodation: The reserve itself provides lodge-style accommodation, while the town of Valladolid is the nearest practical local settlement for additional guest houses and basic services.
Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
A study conducted in the Bogotá Botanical Garden documented territorial, feeding and breeding behaviour in the species. The garden’s planted habitats and flowering vegetation provide suitable conditions for observing Sparkling Violetears in an urban setting.
Nearby accommodation: Bogotá offers a wide range of hotels, guest houses, hostels and self-catering accommodation, with convenient access to the botanical garden.
Behaviour and Diet
Sparkling Violetears are active, conspicuous and strongly territorial hummingbirds. Individuals often perch on exposed branches or other elevated points while giving sharp, repeated calls and watching over flowering plants or feeders. They may vigorously chase other hummingbirds and defend productive feeding territories for extended periods.
Nectar forms the main part of the diet and is taken from a wide variety of flowering plants. The species also captures small insects and other arthropods, which provide additional protein. Insects may be taken in short aerial sallies or picked from vegetation.
The species is highly vocal, particularly when defending a territory or attracting a mate. Males perform display flights and use wing movements and extended ear tufts during courtship. The female builds the nest, incubates the eggs and feeds the young. The nest is a small cup made from plant fibres, moss and other soft materials, usually secured to a branch or shrub with spider silk. Two white eggs are normally laid. Incubation lasts about 16–18 days, and young birds generally remain in the nest for approximately three weeks, although recent observations in Quito recorded some fledging periods of more than three weeks.
Identification Tips
- Look for a relatively large, robust hummingbird with intensely metallic green plumage.
- The large violet-blue ear patches are the most distinctive feature, especially when the bird is displaying or alarmed.
- A blue or violet-blue throat and breast separates it from the generally smaller Lesser Violetear, which lacks the same extensive blue breast patch.
- The Sparkling Violetear often perches conspicuously and gives repeated, sharp calls from near a feeding territory.
- In poor light, the violet ear patches and blue breast can appear blackish. Wait for the bird to turn or catch the light before making an identification.
Conservation Status
The Sparkling Violetear is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has a very broad distribution and uses a variety of natural, agricultural and urban habitats. A firm global population estimate and a clearly defined population trend are not available.
Habitat loss, fragmentation, agricultural intensification and changes in flowering patterns may affect local populations, particularly where native vegetation is removed. The species’ use of gardens and other modified habitats may reduce the impact of habitat loss in some areas, but maintaining native flowering plants, protecting montane vegetation and conserving ecological connections between higher-elevation habitats remain important measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the Sparkling Violetear be found?
It occurs in the highlands of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, with its range extending into northern Chile and north-western Argentina. It also occupies several isolated mountain regions, including the tepuis of southern Venezuela.
What does the Sparkling Violetear eat?
It feeds mainly on nectar from flowering plants and supplements this diet with small insects and other arthropods.
How can the Sparkling Violetear be identified?
Look for a large metallic green hummingbird with prominent violet-blue ear patches and a blue or violet-blue throat and breast. Its loud calls and territorial behaviour are also useful clues.
Does the Sparkling Violetear migrate?
It is generally regarded as resident across its range. Local movements between elevations or feeding areas may occur, but it is not known as a long-distance migrant.
Where does the Sparkling Violetear build its nest?
The female builds a small cup-shaped nest on a branch or shrub, using plant material and soft fibres often bound with spider silk. Two white eggs are normally laid.
Is the Sparkling Violetear threatened?
The species is currently classified as Least Concern. Local habitat destruction and changes to montane vegetation can still create problems, despite its broad range and tolerance of gardens and other modified habitats.
References
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Revista Ecuatoriana de Ornitología
- Jocotoco Foundation
Related posts
