Scaly-breasted
Common name: Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
Scientific name: Phaeochroa cuvierii
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird is 11.5 to 13 cm (4.5 to 5.1 in) long and weighs about 8 to 10 g (0.28 to 0.35 oz).
The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, with its unassuming yet captivating presence, graces the humid tropical lowlands with its subdued allure. Contrary to the vibrant hues of its smaller counterparts, this rather large avian species boasts a modest, dull plumage which, in its own right, exudes a unique charm.
Inhabiting forest edges and adjacent clearings adorned with lush trees, flowering bushes, and vibrant gardens, this species finds its sanctuary amidst nature's bountiful offerings. Its preference for such habitats not only showcases its adaptability but also adds a touch of elegance to these verdant landscapes.
Distinguishing this avian gem are its remarkable features—the sizable physique and the conspicuous white corners of its tail. These characteristics serve as the species' signature, enabling enthusiasts to identify and revel in its understated beauty.
When observing the scaly-breasted hummingbird, one will notice that both sexes bear a striking resemblance, with a subtle greenish hue enveloping their frames. Their medium-length, straight black bills, along with a dingy buffy belly, further contribute to their unassuming yet endearing appearance. Not to be overlooked is the distinct white spot behind the eye, a common trait shared with many of their hummingbird counterparts.
Contrary to its name, the breast of this captivating species exhibits a vague mottling, rather than an overtly scaly pattern, adding an air of mystery to this enchanting bird.
In the realm of avian wonders, the scaly-breasted hummingbird may not flaunt the flamboyant plumage of its peers, yet it holds its own as a hidden treasure of the tropical lowlands—a testament to nature's penchant for subtle elegance and captivating allure.
6 subspecies:
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird (Robert's)
P. c. roberti
Distribution extreme SE Mexico (NE Chiapas), N Guatemala and Belize S on Caribbean slope to NE Costa Rica.
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird (Cuvier's)
2. P. c. maculicauda
Distribution Pacific slope of Costa Rica.
3. P. c. furvescens
Distribution Pacific slope of western Panam
4. P. c. saturatior
Distribution Coiba I, off SW Panama.
5. P. c. cuvierii
Distribution C Panama (E to WC San Blas).
6. P. c. berlepschi
Distribution N Colombia (N Atlántico, NW Bolívar).
