The velvet-purple coronet is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó–Andean slopes of Colombia and Ecuador
Typical Environment
Inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, especially along forest edges, ravines, and clearings with abundant epiphytes. It frequents secondary growth and forest borders where flowering shrubs and bromeliads are common. The species also visits high‑elevation gardens and feeders near intact forest. It is largely restricted to the western slopes of the Andes from southwestern Colombia into northwestern Ecuador.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking hummingbird is famed for its velvety purple sheen that shifts with the light, contrasting with iridescent blue‑green upperparts. Males defend rich flower patches aggressively, often dominating feeders. In flight it flashes cinnamon underwing coverts and conspicuous white leg puffs, classic traits of coronets. It occurs on the humid western Andean slopes of Colombia and Ecuador.
Temperament
territorial and bold
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers, with males fiercely defending nectar sources against other hummingbirds. Courtship involves rapid chases and hovering displays. The female builds a small cup nest on a sheltered horizontal branch and solely incubates two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin chips and rapid twitters interspersed with dry trills. Wingbeats produce an audible buzzy hum, especially during close fly‑bys and aggressive encounters.
