AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Klais guimeti
Violet-headed Hummingbird
(Bourcier & Mulsant, 1843)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, distinctive hummingbird known for its brilliant metallic violet or intense blue coloration on the head and throat. The body features metallic bronze-green upperparts, a small distinct white spot behind the eye, and greyish underparts.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Apodiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Trochilidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Klais
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bourcier & Mulsant, 1843)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Found primarily in humid forest edges, dense second growth, clearings, and semi-open shrubby areas. It ranges from foothills and lower montane zones up to middle elevations.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and highly active. It often visits flowering shrubs and lower canopy trees. Individuals frequently forage by searching around small flowering spikes or catching gnats and tiny insects mid-air.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally acts independently when foraging but males show seasonal clusters at lek sites. Often ignored or easily displaced by aggressively territorial, larger hummingbirds.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Diurnal nectarivore and insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on nectar from small-flowered plants (such as Stachytarpheta) and catches small insects. It faces predation from larger avian species, snakes, and praying mantises.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nesting occurs primarily during the dry season. Males attract mates through persistent high-pitched vocalizations in leks. The female builds a small mossy cup nest lined with soft plant down, usually situated over a stream.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.5 - 8.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
2.3 g - 3.2 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12 - 14
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males display an intensely vivid, glittering violet or deep blue crown and face. The rest of the crown feathers form a short crest that gleams brightly in direct sunlight.
Females Multi-lang
Females display a much duller, blue-tinted crown without the intense brilliance of the male. The throat and underparts are primarily uniform light pale grey.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a short, sharp bill perfectly adapted for probing shallow or clustered flowers, as well as catching small insects from mid-air foliage.
Exhibits highly agile flying capabilities allowing it to switch effortlessly between rapid hovering and hovering upside down to feed under leaves.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Susceptible to severe habitat loss driven by the expansion of agriculture and cattle ranching in sub-montane and foothill forest zones.
Climate warming risks displacing its preferred sub-montane thermal niches further uphill, putting pressure on established sub-populations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike many solitary hummingbirds, males of this species gather in persistent singing assemblies called 'leks' in the understory to attract females.