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BROWN VIOLET-EAR Colibri delphinae 10.5–11.5cm. Drab but subtly
attractive hummer of humid foothill forest edge, adjacent second growth and
semi-open areas in foothills. Mainly at mid–upper levels, often in fairly open
canopy; singing males form loose groups. No similar species in Costa Rica:
note brownish plumage, broad whitish mustache, short bill, cinnamon rump.
SOUNDS: Song from perch a series of (usually 3–8) strong, slightly metallic
downslurred chips, tchik tchik..., repeated after short pause. Rattling chatters in
interactions. STATUS: Uncommon on both slopes, mainly 400–1600m; ranges
seasonally to adjacent lowlands. (Guatemala to S America.)
LESSER VIOLET-EAR Colibri cyanotus 11–11.5cm. Medium-size, overall
green hummer of humid foothill and highland forest edge, clearings with flower
banks, second growth. Mainly feeds low in flower patches, when can be hard to
see, but sings persistently from exposed bare twig, mainly at mid-level in trees
at forest edge or in clearings. Distinctive in highland habitat, with overall deep
green plumage, medium-length slightly decurved black bill, bluish-violet
cheeks, dark tail band. Female slightly duller than male; imm. duller overall,
with duskier underparts, scattered glittering green feathers. SOUNDS: Song a
fairly steady series of varied semi-metallic chips, about 3/sec, can be continued
tirelessly at any time of day: tik tsik tik tik chik tsik..., often with repetitive paired phasing, tsi chik tsi
chik.…Short, rapid-paced dry rattles in flight, while feeding. STATUS: Fairly common to common, mainly
1500–3300m; some range down to 900m, mainly Apr–Sep. (Costa Rica to S America.)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT Heliodoxa jacula 12–13.5cm, male>female.
Large hummer of humid foothill and highland forest and edge, ranging to
adjacent second growth and semi-open areas. Mainly at mid–upper levels
where flight quick and darting; often perches to feed rather than hovering.
Distinctive male deep green overall with long, forked blue-black tail; female
best told by large size, short white whisker stripe, spotted underparts. Imm. has
variable cinnamon patch on throat sides. SOUNDS: High, sharp, downslurred
chip, suggests Yellow Warbler; squeaky, relatively low nasal kyew, at times
in chattering series. Song a rapid, rhythmic, squeaky warble, 2–3 secs.
STATUS: Fairly common to uncommon on both slopes, mainly 700–2200m, rarely to lower foothills.
(Costa Rica to w. Ecuador.)
VIOLET SABREWING Campylopterus hemileucurus 14–15cm. Striking large
hummer of humid foothill and highland forest and edge, second growth,
adjacent semi-open areas. Mainly at low to mid-levels; singing males form
groups in shady understory. Distinctive, with thick arched bill, white eyespot,
big white tail corners often flashed in flight. Male can look simply dark overall,
but violet tones spectacular in good light. SOUNDS: Hard sharp chips at times
run into rattles. Song a steady, often prolonged series of sharp, slightly metallic
chips interspersed with lower squeaks, about 2 notes/sec. STATUS: Fairly common
on both slopes, mainly 1000–2400m; often descends to foothills, rarely to
coastal lowlands. (Mexico to w. Panama.)
