Hyacinth Visorbearer

About the Hyacinth Visorbearer

The hyacinth visorbearer (Augastes scutatus) is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is endemic to Brazil. The hyacinth visorbearer shares its genus with only one other species, the hooded visorbearer (A. lumachella). It has three subspecies, the nominate A. s. scutatus, A. s. ilseae, and A. s. soaresi. The subspecies are very similar and "might be better treated as monotypic."

Hyacinth visorbearer males are 8.1 to 9.9 cm (3.2 to 3.9 in) long and weigh 3 to 4 g (0.11 to 0.14 oz). Females are 8 to 9.7 cm (3.1 to 3.8 in) long and weigh 2.7 to 3.8 g (0.10 to 0.13 oz). In addition to being longer overall and heavier than females, males also have longer wings and tail. Both sexes have a short bill, but that of the male is longer. Males of the nominate subspecies have a shiny golden green forehead; the rest of the upperparts and the tail are bronze-green. The throat is also shiny golden green with a black edge and the belly is deep blue; between them is a creamy white to pink band across the chest. The sides of the neck have a purplish blue "ruff". The female lacks the black edge to the green throat, the blue belly is mottled... Wikipedia →