Horned Sungem
Heliactin bilophus
Least ConcernAves · Apodiformes · Trochilidae
About
The horned sungem is a species of hummingbird native to much of central Brazil and parts of Bolivia and Suriname. It prefers open habitats such as savanna and grassland and readily occupies human-created habitats such as gardens. It recently expanded its range into southern Amazonas and Espírito Santo, probably as a result of deforestation; few other hummingbird species have recently expanded their range. The horned sungem is a small hummingbird with a long tail and a comparatively short, black bill. The sexes differ markedly in appearance, with males sporting two feather tufts ("horns") above the eyes that are shiny red, golden, and green. Males also have a shiny blue head crest and a black throat with a pointed "beard". The female is plainer and has a brown or yellow-buff throat. The species is the only one within its genus, Heliactin.
Fun Fact
The female, even though it lacks the unique adornments of the male, can be identified by its yellow-green upperside, its white underside, and its long tail.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Range into southern Amazonas and Espírito Santo, probably as a result of deforestation and its ability to adopt open landscapes created by humans.
Diet
Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, such as Palicourea rigida, Bauhinia tenella, Cuphea linarioides, Zeyheria montana, and Calliandra sincorana.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance