Hooded Visorbearer
Hooded Visorbearer (Augastes lumachella)
Name Origin:
The genus Augastes is derived from Greek, possibly referencing “augé” (brightness) and “astes” (inhabitant), indicating a bright or radiant dweller. The species name lumachella refers to a type of iridescent fossil shell, echoing the male’s striking throat and head coloration.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 8.5–9.5 cm (3.3–3.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: 3.5–4.2 g (0.12–0.15 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to the Chapada Diamantina region, Bahia, eastern Brazil
🧭 Elevation: 850–2,000 m (2,800–6,600 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Montane campo rupestre (rocky scrubland), dry grasslands with scattered bushes
🧬 Clade: Lesbiini “Coquettes and Visorbearers”
📊 Status: Near Threatened (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.
Species Overview
The Hooded Visorbearer is a small, ground-hugging hummingbird found only in Brazil’s Chapada Diamantina. It thrives in dry, rocky grasslands where few other hummingbirds occur. Known for its low, darting flight and preference for flowering shrubs close to the ground, it is especially distinctive due to the male’s shimmering green throat shield and deep black hood.
Male Description:
Velvety black head and throat surrounded by a bright, iridescent green “visor.” Back and flanks are bronzy green. Underparts pale with buffy flanks. Tail is dark with a slight fork. The striking color contrast gives this species its name.
Female Description:
Much plainer than the male. Green above with pale buff underparts. Lacks the black hood and iridescent visor. Tail feathers often edged or tipped with rufous.
Habitat & Behavior:
Confined to rocky scrubland and open slopes with scattered shrubs. Forages low, often less than 1 meter off the ground, taking nectar from low flowers and small insects by gleaning or hover-gleaning. Not highly aggressive. Often perches on low rocks or twigs. Breeding is closely tied to seasonal flowering cycles in the campo rupestre habitat.
Conservation Note:
Although still locally common, the Hooded Visorbearer is considered Near Threatened due to its highly restricted range and ongoing habitat loss from fire, mining, and agriculture. Conservation of the Chapada Diamantina's unique highland ecosystem is essential for its survival.
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