Hummingbirds are known for their incredibly small size, dazzling iridescent plumage, and ability to hover in midair as their wings beat at incredible speeds. Their habitat ranges from Alaska to Chile, with over 300 species identified. While many hummingbirds have vibrant greens, blues, oranges and reds in their plumage, some species have striking purple coloring on their heads or throats.
Characteristics of Hummingbirds with Purple Heads
There are a few hummingbird species that have notable purple coloring on their heads. This includes:
- The purple-crowned fairy (Heliothryx barroti) has a shiny purple cap on its head, with a white chin and throat. It has a green back and wings.
- The amethyst woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina) is aptly named for its bright purple crown. Males have an iridescent amethyst throat as well.
- The purple-throated mountain-gem (Lampornis calolaemus) has a glittering purple gorget and crown. The belly is white and the back is green.
- The male magenta-throated woodstar (Calliphlox bryantae) has a bright magenta crown and throat patch.
These hummingbirds inhabit forest and woodland areas in Central and South America. Their purple head plumage likely evolved to attract mates.
Purple-Crowned Fairy
The purple-crowned fairy (Heliothryx barroti) is a small hummingbird found in Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. Some key facts about this species include:
- Length: 2.5-3 inches
- Weight: 0.1 ounces
- Wingspan: 3.5 inches
- Plumage: Metallic purple crown, white chin/throat, green back/wings
- Diet: Nectar and small insects
- Habitat: Humid lowland and foothill forests
- Range: Panama, western Colombia, northwest Ecuador
- Conservation status: Least concern
The purple-crowned fairy can hover and fly backwards as it accesses nectar from blooming flowers and plants using its specialized long bill. This agile hummingbird uses its sharp bill to stab at small insects too. The high-pitched chipping vocalizations of the male are made to attract females.
Interesting Facts
- The purple cap on the male is iridescent and appears black at some angles.
- Females lack the vivid purple crown patch.
- Nests are tiny cups made of plant fibers and spider webs.
- Average clutch size is 2 tiny white eggs.
- The purple-crowned fairy is considered a rainforest specialist.
Amethyst Woodstar
The amethyst woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina) is a tiny hummingbird found in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Here are some details on this species:
- Length: 2.5-3 inches
- Weight: 0.1 ounces
- Wingspan: 3.25 inches
- Plumage: Metallic purple crown and throat on males, green back, whitish underside
- Diet: Nectar and small insects
- Habitat: Andean forests and woodlands
- Range: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
- Conservation status: Least concern
The amethyst woodstar’s unique appearance and agility allow it to access flower nectar other birds cannot. Its wings beat up to 70 times per second! Males display their vibrant plumage during courtship dances for females. These energetic hummingbirds are comfortable in higher elevations of the Andes Mountains.
Interesting Facts
- They have fast, buzzing wing beats and can hover precisely.
- Their feet and legs are grayish in color.
- They have a straight black bill adapted for nectar feeding.
- Nests are tiny cups made of mosses, lichens and feathers.
- Clutch size is just 2 eggs.
Purple-Throated Mountain-gem
The purple-throated mountain-gem (Lampornis calolaemus) is a striking hummingbird found in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Here are some quick facts:
- Length: 4-4.5 inches
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Wingspan: 5 inches
- Plumage: Shining purple gorget/crown, white underparts, green back
- Diet: Nectar, small arthropods
- Habitat: Cloud forests, mountain slopes with flowers
- Range: Highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama
- Conservation status: Least concern
The purple-throated mountain-gem uses its specialized tongue to lap up nectar while hovering at blooms. The curved bill is perfect for accessing certain flowers. Males perform dramatic aerial displays during courtship. Though usually found high in mountain forests, these hummingbirds may migrate lower in winter.
Interesting Facts
- They have a buzzing, insect-like song.
- Their feet are dark gray.
- Females lack the purple gorget and crown.
- Nests are lined with soft plant fibers.
- The purple-throated mountain-gem has declined due to habitat loss.
Magenta-Throated Woodstar
The magenta-throated woodstar (Calliphlox bryantae) is a small hummingbird endemic to Peru. Here are some identification details:
- Length: 3-3.5 inches
- Weight: 0.1 ounces
- Wingspan: 4 inches
- Plumage: Magenta crown and gorget on males, olive-green upperparts, grayish underside
- Diet: Nectar, small insects
- Habitat: Montane evergreen forests
- Range: Endemic to north-central Peru
- Conservation status: Near threatened
This agile species hovers at flowers to collect nectar with its specialized tongue. The magenta plumage of the males provides camouflage in the reddish-violet flowers they feed from. Little is known about the nesting and breeding behaviors of these rare hummingbirds.
Interesting Facts
- They make high-pitched squeaking vocalizations.
- Females lack the magenta plumage.
- Their habitat is threatened by mining activity.
- First discovered in 1985 near Abra Patricia, Peru.
- Total population estimated at only 600-1,700 individuals.
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds with vivid purple plumage on their heads include species like the purple-crowned fairy, amethyst woodstar, purple-throated mountain-gem, and magenta-throated woodstar. These tropical New World hummingbirds have evolved iridescent purple or magenta crown patches as a way to attract mates. The purple head feathers are only present on adult males. These hummingbirds inhabit forest and mountain habitats in Central and South America and have specialized adaptations for nectar-feeding such as hover flight and tongue structure. They play an important role as pollinators in their delicate ecosystems. Some species with purple heads are considered threatened or near-threatened due to factors like habitat loss, making conservation efforts for their fragile forest homes an important priority.
