Gray-breasted Sabrewing (Campylopterus largipennis)

Identification & Behavior: ~14 cm (5.5 in).  The Gray-breasted Sabrewing has green upperparts and uniformly gray underparts. The tail is mostly dusky, and broad with large white tips. Both sexes have similar plumage.  The bill is slightly decurved and black. It is superficially similar to a female Fork-tailed Woodnymph but is distinguished by being larger and large white tail tips.  Also, see the female Napo Sabrewing, which is darker below and has a green cap.

Status: The Gray-breasted Sabrewing is uncommon in forest edges in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 1300 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Ala-de-Sable de Pecho Gris.

Sub-species: Gray-breasted Sabrewing (Campylopterus largipennis aequatorialis), Gould, 1861.

Meaning of Name: Campylopterus: Gr. Kampulos= curved, bent and pteros, pteron= winged, wing. largipennis: L. largus= ample and pennis, penna= winged.

See more of the Family Trochilidae