Snowcap
Common name: Snowcap
Scientific name: Microchera albocoronata
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
The Snowcap is 6.5 to 7 cm (2.6 to 2.8 in) long and weighs about 2.7 g (0.095 oz).
The Snowcap Hummingbird, a tiny and magnificent species, is found amidst the Central American cloud forests. This remarkable bird is characterized by the striking appearance of the male, which is primarily black but possesses a captivating purple or bronze iridescence on its upperparts. The male's distinctive white crown serves as its namesake and stands out sharply against the dark plumage of its body. In contrast, the female, while less flashy, is notable for its small size, green upperparts, clean white underparts, and prominent white in the outer rectrices set against a dark terminal tail band.
This species is known to forage across all levels of humid montane evergreen forests, ranging from southern Honduras down to central Panama. During the breeding season, one can find males singing from small leks situated at the forest's edge, adding an element of enchantment to the already captivating landscape. The Snowcap Hummingbird thus thrives in its habitat, captivating observers with its breathtaking appearance and vibrant presence.
2 subspecies:
