Sapphire-spangled Emerald

Sapphire-spangled Emerald (Chionomesa lactea)

Name Origin:
The genus Chionomesa comes from Greek chion meaning “snow” and mesos meaning “middle,” possibly referencing pale ventral plumage or contrasting feather zones. The species epithet lactea is Latin for “milky,” referencing the whitish or pale underside seen in some individuals.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 9–10 cm (3.5–3.9 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~4.0–4.5 g (0.14–0.16 oz)
🌎 Range: Southeastern Venezuela, eastern Brazil, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil
🧭 Elevation: 200–1,400 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Forest edges, second-growth woodland, cerrado, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Trochilini (a.k.a. “emeralds”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Three subspecies:

1. Chionomesa lactea zimmeri
   Distribution: Southeastern Venezuela (C and S Bolívar)

2. Chionomesa lactea lactea
   Distribution: Eastern Brazil from central Bahia south to Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Paraná

3. Chionomesa lactea bartletti
   Distribution: Eastern and southeastern Peru (S from San Martín), northern Bolivia (Pando, La Paz, Beni, Santa Cruz), and adjacent western Brazil (Acre and SW Amazonas); possibly extreme eastern Ecuador

Species Overview

The Sapphire-spangled Emerald is a vibrant, widespread hummingbird known for its shimmering blue-green plumage and active feeding behavior. Males display a bright turquoise breast and belly with glittering green upperparts, while females are slightly duller but still striking. This species adapts well to disturbed areas and is often seen feeding at flowers or visiting feeders.

Male Description:
Bright metallic green crown and back, vivid turquoise underparts, white vent, and a short, straight black bill. Tail is blue-black with pale tips.

Female Description:
Similar to male but with less intense blue on the underparts and more whitish on the belly. Throat may appear lightly spotted or pale.

Habitat & Behavior:
Inhabits forest edge, cerrado, semi-open woodland, secondary growth, and gardens. Frequently visits flowering plants at various heights and is a common visitor to feeders in its range. Generally solitary while foraging but tolerant of other hummingbirds in high-density areas. Active, fast-flying, and vocal, with a sharp, dry call often given in flight.

Conservation Note:
The Sapphire-spangled Emerald is listed as Least Concern, with a broad distribution across northern South America and adaptability to disturbed habitats. While deforestation continues in parts of its range, this species remains common and stable due to its use of edge and secondary growth habitats. No immediate conservation concerns exist, though habitat protection remains important in more localized populations, especially in Amazonian foothills.

---

Below is the Sapphire-spangled Emerald (Sapphire-spangled), (Chionomesa lactea lactea)

Photographed at Lajedo dos Beija-Flores, Bahia; Pousada da Fazenda, Monte Alegre do Sul; and Sítio Macuquinho, Salesópolis, São Paulo, Brazil

These individuals belong to the nominate subspecies lactea, found across eastern Brazil from Bahia south to Paraná. It inhabits drier woodland, cerrado edge, and cultivated landscapes, often visiting flowering shrubs and feeders in disturbed areas.

---

Below is the Sapphire-spangled Emerald (Spot-vented) (Chionomesa lactea bartletti)

Photographed at Bosque de Protección Alto Mayo and Waqanki Reserve, San Martín, Peru

These individuals belong to the subspecies bartletti, which occurs from eastern Peru southward through northern Bolivia and into adjacent western Brazil. It typically inhabits humid forest edge, secondary woodland, and foothill slopes between 300 and 1,200 meters.

Checkout Anthony’s playlist of this species! Click the top right dropdown to see all the videos.