Green Violetear Hummingbird

Description:

The Green Violetear averages 11 — 11.5 cm (4.25 — 4.5 in) in length. The adult male has a grass green upper plumage turning into a bronze color on the rump and uppertail feathers.The tail is square and slightly notched with a broad dark blue band at the end of the tail. Subspecies differences: The northern nominate subspecies has a large violet central breast spot on the upper breast and a violet-blue band along the chin that often connects to the violet-blue "ear", giving the bird its name. The subspecies, as per photo, from Costa Rica and southwards lack the violet breast spot and chin, but have the violet-blue "ear feathers" of the nominate species. The adult female is similar to the male, but tends to be smaller in size, has a slightly duller plumage and has a narrower violet band on the chin.

Habitat:

Photo taken at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve which is in the Western Upper Tropical Rainforest near Mindo (3,280 ft. o.s.l). The area is dominated by broad-leaved trees that form a dense upper canopy (layer of foliage) and contain an amazing diverse array of vegetation