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
Doryfera ludovicae
Green-fronted Lancebill
(Bourcier & Mulsant, 1847)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized, notably dark hummingbird characterized by its extremely long, straight, and sharply pointed black bill. Its plumage is primarily blackish-green with a coppery nape, and males sport a brilliant, glittering green forehead patch.
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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.Doryfera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bourcier & Mulsant, 1847)
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.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
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 in the damp, dark understory and mid-strata of humid montane cloud forests. They are particularly associated with steep ravines, fast-flowing mountain streams, and waterfalls.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A trap-line forager that visits scattered flowering plants over a large home range rather than defending a single, dense patch of flowers. Often perches silently in the dark forest understory.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary and less aggressive than many other hummingbirds. They quietly fly along regular routes through the forest, avoiding direct confrontation.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 (trap-line forager).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on nectar from epiphytes and deep-tubed flowers like Ericaceae and Gesneriaceae. Supplements its diet by hawking for tiny flying insects in mid-air near streams.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The female builds a bulky, cone-shaped nest of moss, fern scales, and spider webs, typically attached to roots or dripping rock faces above streams or in caves. She alone incubates the eggs and raises the young.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 13.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
5.5 g - 6.5 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).
16 - 19
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Features very dark, blackish-green plumage overall with a prominent, brightly glittering green patch on the forehead and a striking coppery or bronze nape.
Females Multi-lang
Similar in overall dark coloration but lacks the brilliant green forehead patch, which is replaced by duller greenish or bronzy tones. Females also typically have notably longer bills than males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Features a needle-like bill perfectly evolved for reaching deep into long, tubular corollas.
Highly adapted to navigating and nesting in dark, misty microclimates, including the spray zones of waterfalls.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and degradation of montane forest ecosystems.
Alteration of mountain streams and water pollution which destroy their highly specific microhabitats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They have a fascinating nesting strategy, frequently building their mossy cup nests on vertical rock walls, inside dark caves, or even directly behind rushing waterfalls where predators cannot reach them.