The black-eared fairy is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae, the mangoes. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guianas
Typical Environment
Found widely across the Amazon lowlands from Venezuela, the Guianas, and Colombia through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and much of northern and central Brazil. It occupies humid evergreen forest, terra firme and várzea edges, tall secondary growth, and gallery forests. The species often works the canopy and edges but will descend to midstory along light gaps and watercourses. It is absent from southern cone countries such as Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-eared fairy is a striking hummingbird known for its bold black ear patch and gleaming white underparts. It forages by traplining between flowering trees and shrubs, often high in the canopy but also along forest edges and streams. Males display aerial chases around nectar sources, while females build tiny cup nests and raise the young alone.
Heliothryx auritus. A mounted specimen
Black-eared fairy held in hand
Temperament
active and territorial around flowers
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary while foraging, following a trapline of favored blooms. Males defend rich nectar sources and perform swift chases. Nest is a small cup placed on a horizontal branch, often over streams; clutch is usually two eggs. Parental care is by the female.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tsee notes and rapid, squeaky twitters. Calls are given during foraging and chases, with soft chips around the nest site.
