Rivoli’s

Jul 17

Common name: Rivoli's Hummingbird
Scientific name: Eugenes fulgens
Clades: Lampornithini - Mountain-gems

The Rivoli's hummingbird is about 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in) long and weighs about 6 to 10 g (0.21 to 0.35 oz), with the males typically a little larger than the females. It has a wingspan of 18 centimeters (7.1 in).

The Rivoli's Hummingbird commands attention with its imposing size, setting it apart from its hummingbird counterparts. Males of this species sport a vibrant green plumage with a dark blackish chest and belly. The appearance of their heads may deceive the observer, as they seem black until illuminated by light, revealing an iridescent purple crown and a striking green throat.

Conversely, the females exhibit a more muted coloration, characterized by grayish bellies, mottled greenish sides, and speckled gray throats.

Originally recognized as the Magnificent Hummingbird, the species underwent a recent taxonomic division, resulting in the creation of two distinct species: the Rivoli's Hummingbird found from the southwest United States to Nicaragua and the Talamanca Hummingbird inhabiting the mossy cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama.

Rivoli's hummingbird breeds in mountains from the southwestern United States to Honduras and Nicaragua. It inhabits the interior, edges, and clearings of pine-oak forest and cloud forest from about 1,500 m (4,900 ft) up to the timberline as well as more open secondary forest and some grasslands.

taken in Guatemala