In honor of the start of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil today, I thought I'd dedicate this post to the hummingbirds in Brazil. They have a few more species that we get in the US and Canada.
Currently, Wikipedia lists 81 species of the family Trochilidae, which comprise hummingbirds and a subfamily of hermits (subfamily Phaethornithinae, comprising 30–40 species). Of the 81 combined species of hummingbirds and hermits listed on Wikipedia, 75 are classified with a conservation of "Least Concern" whereas six are classified with some level of endangerment, with Near Endangered being the most severe on the IUCN Red List.
Here is a sampling of birds from Brazil. Some regularly inhabit cities for visitors to see, whereas most require a trip into the wild!
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Swallow-tail Hummingbird This relatively large hummingbird measures 6"-6.5" with nearly half of that length making up the bird's tail. It can weigh up to 9 grams (.3 ounces) and is common in semi-open habitats, including parks and gardens in large cities. It is aggressive and will defend rich food sources from other nectivores, and due to its size will often dominate other hummingbird species (and they've been known to dive-bomb much larger birds to protect a territory, particularly during the nesting season). |
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Tufted Coquette This tiny hummingbird is an uncommon but widespread species that inhabits open country, gardens, and cultivated areas. Weighing in at only 2.3 grams (.08 ounces) and measuring only 2.6" in length, these tiny birds are relatively tame and approachable. They feed on nectar and various small invertebrates and due to their small size often resemble a large bee as they move from flower to flower.
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Frilled Coquette The Frilled Coquette is found only in Brazil and isn't likely to be seen by many tourists, as its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest. It is one of the smallest birds alive, weighing in at just 2.1 grams (.074 ounces) and only up to 2.8" in length! |
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White-throated Hummingbird This hummingbird is common and found in south-eastern Brazil. Its habitat includes forest, woodland, parks and gardens. It reaches up to 4.1" in length. |
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Brazilian Ruby This relatively large hummingbird (length of 5.1" for females and 5.5" for males) is regularly seen at feeders, with its natural habitat being forest edge, second growth, gardens and parks in eastern Brazil. They are very territorial and will protect their food source vigorously! |
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Hyacinth Visorbearer This hummingbird is found only in Brazil and is becoming rare due to habitat loss. It is listed as a Near Endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, so it is unlikely that any visitors will see this little treasure. They weigh 3-4 grams and reach a length of 3.9". |
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Hooded Visorbearer(Augastes lumachella) Another hummingbird that is classified as Near Endangered due to habitat loss, the Hooded Visorbearer is also found only in Brazil. It inhabits subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. They typically weigh 4 grams (.14 ounces) and reach a length of about 4" for males, 3.5" for females. |