Glittering-throated emerald

The glittering-throated emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Guianas, Peru, Trinidad and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Amazon Basin and northern South America, including Trinidad

Typical Environment

Found widely from eastern Colombia and Venezuela through the Guianas and much of Brazil, south into Bolivia, and west into Ecuador and Peru; also present on Trinidad. Prefers lowland habitats including forest edges, riparian woodland, second-growth thickets, cerrado and savanna with scattered trees, plantations, and city parks. Often occurs near flowering shrubs and trees and is tolerant of disturbed areas. Common around human settlements where nectar sources and feeders are available.

Altitude Range

0–1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size8–9 cm

Wing Span10–12 cm

Male Weight0.0035 kg

Female Weight0.0038 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A small hummingbird with a brilliant emerald-green throat that flashes in good light, it readily visits gardens and feeders as well as natural forest edges. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in second-growth habitats and urban green spaces. Like most hummingbirds, it consumes both nectar and tiny insects for protein. Males aggressively defend rich flower patches with rapid chases and display flights.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

territorial and alert

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; agile hoverer

Social Behavior

Generally solitary around feeding sites, with males vigorously defending nectar sources from rivals. Breeding involves a small cup nest built by the female on a horizontal branch or fork; typical clutch is two tiny white eggs. The female undertakes incubation and chick rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are high, thin chips and insect-like trills delivered intermittently from perches. Wing hum is audible at close range, especially during chases and display flights.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Glossy black cockatoo

The glossy black cockatoo, is the smallest member of the subfamily Calyptorhynchinae found in eastern Australia. Adult glossy black cockatoos may reach 50 cm (19.5 in) in length. They are sexually dimorphic. Males are blackish brown, except for their prominent sub-terminal red tail bands; the females are dark brownish with idiosyncratic yellow marking around the neck and prominent sub-terminal tail band of red with black bars. Three subspecies have been recognised, although this has been recently challenged, with a detailed morphological analysis by Saunders and Pickup 2023 finding there is cline in body dimensions over the latitudinal range of the species, with the birds from the north of the range smaller than the birds in the south. Saunders and Pickup argued that with no differentiation in bill morphology, little difference in genetic makeup, no differences in plumage pattern or colour, and no differences in diet, there is no justification in subdividing the species.

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