Golden-tailed Sapphire
Common name: Golden-tailed Sapphire
Scientific name: Chrysuronia oenone
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
The Golden-tailed Sapphire is 9.5 to 10 cm (3.7 to 3.9 in) long. Males weigh 4.7 to 6.3 g (0.17 to 0.22 oz) and females 4.3 to 5.3 g (0.15 to 0.19 oz).
The Golden-tailed Sapphire, known for its awe-inspiring beauty, showcases a mesmerizing golden-rufous tail that effortlessly sets it apart from other species. This exquisite feature not only adds to its allure but also aids in distinguishing the sexes, as males and females of this species often bear striking similarities in their overall appearance.
The sapphires are found in humid forests, especially along edges and gaps, old second growth, gallery forests, semi-open areas such as shaded cacao and coffee plantations, gardens and deciduous forests (Venezuela); primarily in foothills and adjacent lowlands, between sea level and 1500 meters in Colombia and Venezuela. In the dry season, individuals defend small floral territories by congregating at large flowering trees. Males sing the most during the early rainy season. Venezuela has experienced large and sudden seasonal migrations of these sapphires.
3 subspecies:
C. o. oenone
Distribution Sierra de Perijá, and N and W Venezuela S through EC Colombia to E Ecuador, extreme NE Peru (N Amazonas, NW Loreto) and adjacent extreme W Brazil.
taken in Colombia
taken in Peru
