The violet-fronted brilliant is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern and Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andean foothills and lower montane slopes from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador into Peru and northern Bolivia. It inhabits humid evergreen and cloud forest edges, secondary growth, and riverine corridors. The species readily uses clearings, forest borders, and flowering gardens near forest. It is most frequently seen in the understory to midstory, especially where epiphytes and flowering shrubs are abundant.
Altitude Range
400–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, glittering hummingbird of Andean foothill forests, the violet-fronted brilliant is named for the male’s luminous violet forehead. It often defends nectar-rich flower patches and practices traplining between favored blooms. Females lack the violet forecrown and show whitish, mottled underparts. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with small insects for protein.
Male H. l. otero - Cock-of-the Rock Lodge, Peru (flash photo)
Female H. l. sagitta - Copa Linga Lodge, Ecuador (flash photo)
Temperament
territorial around flower patches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary when foraging, but may gather loosely where flowers are abundant. Males defend rich nectar sources vigorously against other hummingbirds. Nests are small cups of plant fibers and spider silk, placed on sheltered branches or over streams. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights rather than group leks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces thin, high-pitched chips and twitters, often given while perched between feeding bouts. Wing hum is pronounced during close passes. Vocalizations are simple but persistent around defended territories.
