The hyacinth visorbearer is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Eastern Brazil (Espinhaço Range)
Typical Environment
Found primarily in the campos rupestres of the southern Espinhaço Range, especially on quartzite ridges and rocky outcrops with sparse shrubs and hardy grasses. It frequents flowering stands of Vellozia and bromeliads, as well as edges of gallery scrub and open montane savanna. The species is adapted to exposed, windy slopes and often perches on low shrubs or rocks between feeding bouts. Local movements track flowering peaks across the landscape.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hyacinth visorbearer is a small hummingbird specialized for life in Brazil’s rocky grasslands (campos rupestres), where it often feeds at Vellozia and other rupicolous plants. Males defend rich nectar patches fiercely, chasing off rivals with rapid, darting flights. By visiting tubular flowers, it acts as an important pollinator in these highland ecosystems. Habitat degradation from fire and mining is a concern, though the species persists across portions of the Espinhaço Range.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
rapid hovering with short darting flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary when feeding, with males establishing and defending small nectar territories around flowering plants. Courtship involves aerial chases and display postures at favored perches. The female builds a tiny cup nest from plant fibers and spider silk, usually placed on a low branch or sheltered fork.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin tsee and tzip notes and brief, tinkling trills given from exposed perches. Wing hum is audible at close range during aggressive chases and feeding.
