

Image credit: © Fernando Burgalin Sequeria
Purple-throated Mountain-gem
Scientific Name: Lampornis calolaemus
Stunning medium-sized hummingbird. Male shows bright purple throat, blue crown, and white line behind eye. Female not quite as colorful but still striking: bright buffy underparts with black cheek and white line behind eye. She is very similar to female White-bellied Mountain-gem but has greener tail; only safely identified with a good view. A forest hummingbird of middle elevations that also comes out to edges and gardens, visits feeders.
Its song is a series of high-pitched chips and whistles, often delivered from a hidden perch within the dense foliage. These energetic birds are quite territorial, especially around prime feeding spots and flowering plants, and can often be seen chasing away rivals with impressive aerial displays. While widespread throughout its range, finding a Purple-throated Mountain-gem can sometimes require patience, as their preference for shaded, vegetated areas can make them blend into their surroundings despite their vibrant colors.
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