Crimson Topaz
Common name: Crimson Topaz
Scientific name: Topaza pella
Clades: Florisuginae - Topazes
One of the largest and most dazzling hummingbirds in South America, the Crimson Topaz is a true jewel of the Amazon Basin. Found primarily in the lowland rainforests of northern Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and eastern Venezuela, this species is renowned for its size and radiant beauty. It measures 21 to 23 cm (8.3 to 9 in) in length (including its elongated tail) and weighs about 9 to 11 grams (0.32 to 0.39 oz), making it one of the heaviest hummingbirds.
Male Description:
The male Crimson Topaz is a breathtaking sight. His head and throat gleam with emerald-green iridescence, while his breast and belly blaze with intense crimson red. The most dramatic feature is his long, deeply forked tail with narrow, golden-bronze central feathers extending well beyond the body. The wings are dark, and his bill is straight and black, suited for probing large rainforest blossoms.
Female Description:
Females are considerably smaller and more understated in appearance. They lack the elongated tail and intense crimson coloration. Instead, they show mostly metallic green upperparts and whitish or buff underparts with light spotting or scaling. The shorter tail is tipped with white, and the bill is slightly decurved, reflecting subtle sexual dimorphism.
Habitat & Behavior:
A canopy specialist, the Crimson Topaz frequents riverine forests, forest edges, and clearings where large flowering trees provide abundant nectar. Males are often territorial, performing spectacular aerial displays to attract females.
3 subspecies:
T. p. pella
Distribution E Venezuela (E Bolívar) and the Guianas to N and W Brazil (Roraima, NW Pará, Amazonas, Rondônia).T. p. smaragdulu
Distribution French Guiana and eastern Brazil (Amapá, and central Pará, from the east bank of the Tapajós River to the Tocantins River)T. p. microrhyncha
Distribution NE Pará (I de Marajó and area E of R Tocantins), in N Brazil.
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