Sparkling Violetear

The Sparkling Violetear is a large, robust hummingbird of the Andes, clothed mostly in shimmering emerald-green with a slightly duskier tail. Its name comes from the glittering violet-blue patches that flare out from the sides of the head (the "ear" tufts) and a smaller violet patch on the center of the chest, both of which flash brilliantly in direct sunlight but can appear dark or muted in shade.

One of the most widespread and vocal hummingbirds of the high Andes, it is a familiar sight in gardens, parks, and montane scrub, frequently perching in the open on bare twigs to sing and defend its feeding territory, unlike many hummingbirds that stay hidden in foliage.

Key field marks

• Overall shimmering green plumage with a slightly forked, dusky tail
• Iridescent violet-blue patches flared on the sides of the head (ear tufts)
• Small violet patch on the center of the chest
• Large size and fairly straight, medium-length black bill
• Frequently perches conspicuously in the open, singing repetitively

Similar species

• Green Violetear (a related species, sometimes considered the same species complex) is very similar but generally found at somewhat different elevations and regions with limited overlap.
• Female and immature Sparkling Violetears show duller, less extensive violet patches but retain the same overall shape and green body color.

Habitat

Found in gardens, parks, montane scrub, forest edge, and open country, from valleys up into high-elevation páramo edges.

Range

Widespread through the Andes from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia to northern Argentina, typically between roughly 1,500 and 3,500 m elevation.

Migration

Mostly resident, with some local altitudinal movement in response to flowering seasons.

Behavior

Bold and vocal, males frequently perch in the open on exposed twigs for long periods, repeating a sharp call while defending flowering territory from rivals.

Voice

A loud, sharp, metallic "tsip" or "chip" repeated persistently and monotonously, often for extended periods from a favored perch.

Feeding

Feeds on nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants and shrubs, and catches small insects in short aerial sallies.

Nesting

Builds a small cup nest of plant down and moss bound with spider web, typically low in a shrub or tree; lays 2 white eggs, incubated solely by the female.