The sapphire bellied hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae) is a stunningly beautiful yet critically endangered species of hummingbird found only in a small region of southeastern Brazil. Characterized by its vibrant blue belly and green-capped head, this tiny bird has seen its numbers plummet in recent decades due to habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.
Description of the Sapphire Bellied Hummingbird
With an average body length of just 7-8 cm and weighing in at 2-3 grams, the sapphire bellied hummingbird is a tiny bird indeed. Its plumage is highly iridescent, with an emerald green cap on its head and a brilliant, sapphire blue belly that sparkles in the light. The upper parts and flanks are mostly golden green, with some blue spotting on the sides. The tail is relatively short and forked. The bill is straight, thin, and black. Females lack the blue belly and are more golden overall. Juveniles resemble adult females until they molt and acquire their colorful adult plumage.
This species exhibits some sexual dimorphism, with males being slightly larger and more colorful than females. Males also perform elaborate courtship displays, with aerial components, to attract potential mates. Their diet consists of nectar, pollen, and small insects.
Range and Habitat
The sapphire bellied hummingbird is endemic to the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern Brazil. Its total range covers only around 20,000 square km along a narrow strip of coast in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo. Within this range, the species is patchily distributed and only locally common. Its population is fragmented into small, isolated subpopulations.
This hummingbird inhabits humid lowland and montane tropical forests, forest edges, and adjacent habitats such as thick secondary growth, coffee plantations, and gardens. It seems to prefer cleaner, less disturbed areas within its forest habitat. It occurs up to elevations of around 800 m.
Population and Conservation Status
The global population of the sapphire bellied hummingbird is estimated to number only 250-999 mature individuals. Its numbers have declined drastically, with up to 80% loss over the last 10 years. Due to its tiny, declining population and range, limited to a single ENdemic region, this species is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
In addition to habitat loss and fragmentation, major threats include climate change, pollution, competition from invasive hummingbird species, and collection for the caged bird trade. Parts of its range are protected, but habitat continues to be lost and degraded. Expanded habitat protection, control of invasive species, public education, and management of captive populations are conservation priorities for this endangered bird.
Why is the Sapphire Bellied Hummingbird Endangered?
There are several key factors that have contributed to the threatened status of the sapphire bellied hummingbird:
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
The hummingbird’s Atlantic Forest habitat has been heavily impacted by deforestation over the past century. Vast areas have been logged or cleared for agriculture and development, fragmenting the forest into smaller, isolated patches. Estimates indicate the Atlantic Forest has been reduced to just 12% of its original extent. This habitat loss destroys nesting sites, isolates populations, and reduces food availability.
Climate Change
Climate change poses a major threat by altering temperature and rainfall patterns in the region. Hotter and drier conditions could reduce nectar availability and insect populations. More frequent extreme weather events like droughts and storms may also impact the species. The small, isolated populations are especially vulnerable to climate-related environmental changes.
Invasive Species
Invasive bird species like the rufous-bellied hummingbird compete with the sapphire bellied hummingbird for habitat, food sources, and nesting sites. They may aggressively chase native hummingbirds away from feeding areas. The more aggressive invasives can further push the endemic species towards extinction.
Pollution
Various forms of pollution, including agricultural runoff full of pesticides and fertilizers, industrial chemicals, and vehicle exhaust are harming Atlantic Forest ecosystems. Water and soil contamination poisons insects that the hummingbirds feed on and may reduce the availability of clean water. The toxins may also directly poison the birds.
Caged Bird Trade
Trapping of sapphire bellied hummingbirds for the caged bird trade also contributes to its endangered status. Poachers capture and sell the birds illegally as pets. This directly reduces the wild population. Captivity is also highly stressful and often fatal for the delicate hummingbirds.
Disease
Hummingbirds are susceptible to certain pathogens and parasites like malaria, West Nile Virus, or iridoviruses. In small populations, disease outbreaks can kill a substantial proportion of individuals. Lack of genetic diversity may also increase susceptibility.
Predation
Common predators of hummingbirds like snakes, lizards, and spiders likely prey on sapphire bellies. While predation is natural, higher mortality in combination with other threats could lead to greater population declines, especially in fragmented areas with more edge habitat.
Efforts to Protect the Species
Despite threats from numerous factors, there are ongoing efforts to prevent the extinction of this endangered hummingbird:
- Habitat conservation through protected areas, reserves, and management of shade-grown coffee plantations and forest fragments in agricultural landscapes
- Control and monitoring of invasive competitors like rufous-bellied hummingbirds
- Reforestation and habitat restoration projects to replenish food sources
- Establishment of habitat corridors to connect fragmented populations
- Monitoring and survey programs to track population trends
- Research into the impacts of climate change and approaches to enhance resilience
- Policies and law enforcement to stop illegal caged bird trade
- Education programs to build public support for conservation
- Captive breeding populations as a safeguard against extinction
International cooperation and increased financial resources may be needed to enact more intensive, direct conservation interventions to pull the sapphire bellied hummingbird back from the brink.
| Year | Conservation Actions |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Sapphire bellied hummingbird listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List |
| 2011-2013 | Surveys conducted to assess population status and distribution |
| 2014 | Captive breeding program initiated at Sao Paulo Zoo |
| 2015 | Reserve established in Bahia to protect key habitat area |
| 2016 | Invasive species monitoring and control program launched |
| 2017 | New nature preserve created in Espirito Santo with key breeding areas |
| 2018 | Educational outreach campaign to build public support |
| 2019 | Habitat restoration projects planted over 50,000 native trees to increase food sources |
| 2020 | Stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting capture and caged trade |
| 2021 | Genetic study of fragmented populations to guide conservation planning |
| 2022 | Climate risk assessment conducted to inform climate adaptation strategies |
Conclusion
The brilliantly colored but vanishingly rare sapphire bellied hummingbird faces a constellation of escalating threats to its limited forest habitat in southeastern Brazil. Habitat destruction has severely fragmented its population, while climate change, invasive species, pollution, disease, and trade pressure are inflicting further damage. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect remaining habitat, restore degraded areas, control invasives, build connectivity, boost scientific knowledge, and raise public support. But an intensification of resources and commitment will be key to pulling this species back from the edge of extinction. With robust protection, this sparkling blue gem of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest may continue to glitter over the mountains slopes it calls home.
