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
Colibri cyanotus
Lesser Violetear
(Bourcier, 1843)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized, primarily grass-green hummingbird distinguished by a glittering violet-blue patch on the sides of its head (auriculars). It features a slightly decurved black bill and a dark blue-black subterminal band on its tail.
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.Colibri
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bourcier, 1843)
Record Completeness
95%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
Inhabits canopy and edges of humid montane forests, high-altitude secondary growth, clearing edges, pastures with scattered trees, and shrubby areas. It ranges from intermediate mountain elevations up to the timberline.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Extremely territorial and aggressive diurnal birds. They vigorously defend rich nectar patches from other hummingbirds and larger birds, chasing intruders away with rapid aerial maneuvers and flaring ears.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary forager, but often interacts contentiously with other birds due to high territorial dominance. They establish clear feeding hierarchies over nectar-producing shrubs in the community.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
Primarily feeds on nectar from an array of epiphytes, shrubs, and flowering trees (e.g., Palicourea, Centropogon), supplemented by gleaning tiny insects. Preyed upon by montane hawks, owls, and tree-dwelling snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Breeding occurs alignment with seasonal peaks. Males perform short display flights and persistent singing to court females. The female builds a robust cup-shaped nest out of moss and plant fibers, camouflaged with lichens on an open twig.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 11.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
4.8 g - 6 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).No
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).
16 - 19
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses specialized auricular feathers that can be aggressively flared outward during territorial displays to intimidate rivals and defend feeding sites.
Highly adapted for altitudinal migration, moving up or down mountain slopes seasonally to trace the shifting blooming cycles of various montane plants.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and degradation of montane cloud forests due to logging, infrastructure development, and conversion into extensive agricultural land.
Climate change impacts that alter microclimates in mountain ecosystems, potentially disrupting mutualistic flower-pollinator blooming synchronies.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are notorious for their loud, sharp, and continuous mechanical singing. Males will sit on high open perches for hours, repeating a metallic chipping note that dominates the soundscape.