The hooded visorbearer is a small species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. Endemic to the east Brazilian state of Bahia, it is found only at higher altitudes in the Chapada Diamantina region. The species is sexually dimorphic. The male is an iridescent bronzy-green overall, with black on his crown and the sides of his head. His forehead and throat are a glittering green shading to bluish-green at the lower edge and narrowly bordered by black. The female is bronzer, with a green crown and brown sides to her head. Her throat is less colorful than the male's, and she lacks iridescence on her forehead. Both sexes have crimson tails and a narrow white breast band, the male with a brilliantly iridescent golden-orange spot in the center, at the lower edge of his gorget.
Region
Eastern Brazil (Chapada Diamantina)
Typical Environment
Occurs on quartzite and sandstone uplands dominated by campos rupestres vegetation, including rocky outcrops, scrubby slopes, and edges of highland grass-shrub mosaics. It frequents flowering bromeliads, cacti, and Vellozia stands, as well as nectar-rich shrubs along rocky gullies. The species is patchy, tracking blooms and defending small feeding territories. It is largely confined to higher plateaus and adjacent escarpments within its restricted range.
Altitude Range
900–1700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hooded visorbearer is a highland hummingbird restricted to the rocky campos rupestres of Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, Brazil. Males show a striking white breast band punctuated by a brilliant golden-orange spot, earning the 'visorbearer' name. It defends nectar-rich patches of flowering shrubs and rupicolous plants with vigorous aerial chases. Habitat loss from fire, mining, and vegetation degradation threatens its specialized range.
Hooded visorbearer (lithography by Henry Constantine Richter (1821–1902) based on a drawing by John Gould (1804–1881))
Nesting
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Males defend small nectar territories and perform brief display flights; encounters at rich flowers can be aggressive. Nest is a tiny cup of plant down and spider silk placed on sheltered branches or rock ledges. Breeding is likely timed to peak flowering, with the female alone incubating and rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and short trills given during foraging and territorial chases. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and males may add buzzy notes during display flights.
