The white-eared hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) is a species of hummingbird found in South America. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and heavily degraded former forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Hylocharis leucotis
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
- Length: 11-12 cm
- Wingspan: 6.5-7 cm
- Weight: 4-6 g
- Life expectancy: 5-6 years
The white-eared hummingbird is a small, compact hummingbird with a straight black bill. As its name suggests, it has prominent white ear tufts behind its eyes. The male has a brilliant turquoise throat and breast, with a black belly. The female is similar but has a pale gray throat and breast with green spots on the throat.
Geographic Range
The white-eared hummingbird is found in:
- Southwestern Brazil
- Southeastern Peru
- Extreme northern Bolivia
- Northern Argentina
Within this range, it occupies the following habitats:
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Lowland Forests
The white-eared hummingbird inhabits tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests up to 1200 m above sea level. This includes semi-deciduous and gallery forests. It prefers more open areas along forest edges, clearings, trails, and secondary growth.
Heavily Degraded Former Forest
It also occurs in heavily degraded former forest habitat with some remnant trees. This includes cultivated areas with scattered trees and trees along roads and streams.
Population and Threats
The global population of the white-eared hummingbird is estimated at 2,500-9,999 mature individuals. Its population is suspected to be in decline due to ongoing habitat destruction.
The main threats facing this species are:
- Deforestation for agricultural land, cattle ranching, logging, and charcoal production
- Habitat degradation from wildfires, mining, roads, and hydroelectric schemes
- Climate change may alter its cloud forest habitat
Behavior and Ecology
Food and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the white-eared hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers using its long extendable tongue. It favors plants from the Rubiaceae family along with lantana, abutilon, and malvaviscus flowers. The hummingbird may also take small insects and spiders as an essential source of protein, minerals, and fats.
Reproduction
The breeding season of the white-eared hummingbird varies across its range but typically aligns with peak flower availability. In southeastern Brazil, breeding occurs from July to January. In Bolivia, it breeds from September to March.
The male hummingbird performs elaborate courtship displays to attract females. Once paired, the female builds a tiny cup nest out of plant down and spider webs on a low horizontal branch or tree fork. She lays two tiny white eggs and incubates them alone for 14-19 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated food by the female and fledge at 20-26 days old.
Migration
The white-eared hummingbird appears to be resident across most of its range and does not migrate. Some seasonal movements may occur following the flowering of plants.
Conservation Status and Protection
The white-eared hummingbird is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its population is estimated to be declining at a rate of 10-19% over ten years.
Protecting remaining lowland forest habitat across its range is essential for the conservation of this species. Recommended actions include:
- Preventing further deforestation through protected areas, sustainable forestry, and controls on land conversion
- Maintaining forested strips along watercourses and fragmented patches of trees in agricultural landscapes to provide habitat connectivity
- Implementing programs to prevent uncontrolled fires in protected areas
The white-eared hummingbird occurs in several protected areas such as Iguazu National Park (Argentina) and Paraíso Ecological Station (Brazil). Further habitat protection and monitoring of populations are needed to ensure this colorful hummingbird does not decline further.
Table Comparing Key Attributes of Male and Female White-eared Hummingbirds
| Attribute | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Throat color | Brilliant turquoise | Pale gray with green spots |
| Breast color | Turquoise | Pale gray with green spots |
| Belly color | Black | White |
| Tail shape | Forked | Rounded tip |
| Courtship displays | Yes | No |
| Nest building | No | Yes |
| Incubation | No | Yes |
Conclusion
In summary, the white-eared hummingbird is found in tropical lowland forests and adjacent habitats in southwestern Brazil, southeastern Peru, extreme northern Bolivia and northern Argentina. Deforestation is the biggest threat facing this vulnerable species. Ongoing habitat protection and population monitoring are vital for its future survival. Key actions include expanding protected areas, maintaining habitat connectivity, preventing uncontrolled fires, and controlling land conversion in remaining forest areas. With coordinated conservation efforts, we can ensure the dazzling white-eared hummingbird continues to brighten its South American haunts for generations to come.
