The horned sungem is a species of hummingbird native to much of central Brazil and parts of Bolivia and Suriname. It prefers open habitats such as savanna and grassland and readily occupies human-created habitats such as gardens. It recently expanded its range into southern Amazonas and Espírito Santo, probably as a result of deforestation; few other hummingbird species have recently expanded their range. The horned sungem is a small hummingbird with a long tail and a comparatively short, black bill. The sexes differ markedly in appearance, with males sporting two feather tufts ("horns") above the eyes that are shiny red, golden, and green. Males also have a shiny blue head crest and a black throat with a pointed "beard". The female is plainer and has a brown or yellow-buff throat. The species is the only one within its genus, Heliactin.
Region
Central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in central Brazil, with records from Goiás, Minas Gerais, Tocantins, Bahia, Distrito Federal, Mato Grosso do Sul, and adjacent areas, and extends into parts of Bolivia and Suriname. It favors open and semi-open habitats, especially cerrado savanna, grasslands, and rocky campos rupestres, as well as edges of gallery forests. The species readily uses human-modified environments such as gardens, orchards, and pastures with scattered shrubs and trees. Recent range expansion into southern Amazonas and Espírito Santo has been noted, probably due to increased openness of habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The horned sungem is the sole member of its genus, Heliactin. Males display two iridescent ‘horns’—erectile feather tufts above the eyes—along with a blue crest and pointed black throat ‘beard’ used in courtship. It has recently expanded its range in Brazil, likely aided by deforestation creating more open habitats. Like many hummingbirds, it both defends rich flower patches and follows traplines between nectar sources.
Drawing of the holotype specimen of the horned sungem as figured in the 1820 description of the species
Male near Serra do Cipó National Park
Female in Paraíba
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Generally solitary at flowers, with males aggressively defending nectar sources. Courtship involves conspicuous perch displays and presentation of the ‘horns.’ Nests are small cups of plant down and spider silk placed on exposed or lightly sheltered branches; typical clutch is two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and rapid twitters given during foraging and display. Wing hum is audible at close range; males add buzzy trills in aggressive or courtship contexts.
Plumage
Small hummingbird with iridescent sheen; long tail and comparatively short, straight bill. Males have a shiny blue crest, black throat forming a pointed ‘beard’, and two colorful feather tufts above the eyes. Females are plainer with green upperparts, whitish underparts, and a brown to yellow-buff throat.
Diet
Primarily takes nectar from a variety of flowering shrubs, trees, and herbs typical of savanna and scrub. It supplements energy and protein needs with small insects and spiders, captured by hawking or gleaning. Individuals may defend rich flower patches but also follow predictable routes (traplining) among scattered blooms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open and semi-open habitats such as cerrado, grasslands, rocky outcrops, and edges of gallery forests. Frequently uses gardens, roadsides, and pastures where flowering ornamentals or native shrubs are available.
