Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides)

Identification & Behavior: ~12 cm (5 in). The Fawn-breasted Brilliant is green above and brown-buff below. The color saturation of the underparts is variable. Male and females show a patch of pink iridescent feathers (gorget) on the throat, which appears to be better developed in the male. The uniform brown-buff below and green above is unique but see Violet-throated Starfrotlet.

Status: The Fawn-breasted Brilliant is uncommon in montane forests on the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1550-2500 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Brillante de Pecho Anteado.

Sub-species: Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides cervinigularis), Salvin, 1892.

Meaning of Name: Heliodoxa: Gr. Hēlios= sun and doxa= glory, magnificence. rubinoides: on that resembles an Trochilus rubineus, oides= resembling.

See more of the Family Trochilidae