Green-crowned Plovercrest

Common name: Green-crowned Plovercrest
Scientific name: Stephanoxis lalandi
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds

The Green-crowned Plovercrest has an average body length of approximately 9 cm (3.5 inches) and a wingspan of around 13 cm (5 inches). The adults weigh between 4-5 grams (0.14-0.18 ounces). The males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than the females.

Their bodies are iridescent green, and their bills are short. Males have an iridescent green crest, a violet throat that extends down to their belly, flanked by gray. Females have a less prominent crest, gray bellies, and a more prominent white spot behind the eye. Unlike the Purple-crowned Plovercrest, the male Green-crowned Plovercrest has a green crest rather than a violet-blue one. A female Green-crowned Plovercrest has smaller white tips on her outer tail feathers. The species is found in the understory of lowlands, montane forests, and light woodlands.

The Green-crowned Plovercrest is endemic and restricted to southeastern Brazil.