Blue-headed Sapphire

Common name: Blue-headed Sapphire
Scientific name: Chrysuronia grayi
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds

The Blue-headed Sapphire is a striking hummingbird species found in South America, specifically in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. This bird is known for its vibrant plumage, with the male displaying iridescent blue feathers on its head and throat that shimmer in the sunlight. In contrast, the female Blue-headed Sapphire has a more subdued coloration, featuring greenish-blue plumage on the head and back.

These hummingbirds prefer to inhabit subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, where they can be observed feeding on nectar from various flowering plants. Their long, slender bills are perfectly adapted for reaching deep into tubular flowers to access the sweet nectar.

The Blue-headed Sapphire is a relatively small hummingbird, measuring 9-10 centimeters long. Despite their small size, they are agile flyers, able to hover in place as they feed and dart swiftly between flowers.

Observing the Blue-headed Sapphire in its natural habitat is a true delight for bird enthusiasts and photographers alike, offering a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the avian world.