Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae)

Identification & Behavior: ~11.5 cm (4.5 cm). The Brown Violetear is overall dull brown with a green gorget, violet patches below the eyes, and a pale malar area. The tail is brown with a dusky band. The rump a rufous scaled effect. The undertail coverts are dull rufous. It is similar to the Bronzy Inca but is distinguished by being duller brown-gray, a green gorget, and violet ear patches. Also see, Sparkling Violetear and Green Violetear.

Status: The Brown Violetear is rare in montane forest edges on the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1300 – 2800 m. It also occurs in the semi-humid foothill forest of extreme northwest Peru in Tumbes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Oreja-Violeta Parda.

Sub-species: Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae), Lesson, 1839.

Meaning of Name: Colibri: Spanish name for a hummingbird. delphinae: Gr. delphinios= sun god Apollo, youth and light god in Greek mythology.

See more of the Family Trochilidae