Sombre Hummingbird
Sombre Hummingbird (Eupetomena cirrochloris)
Name Origin:
The genus Eupetomena is derived from Greek eu meaning “good” or “well,” and petomene meaning “flying,” referencing its strong flight. The species name cirrochloris combines kirros (Greek for “tawny” or “orange”) and chloris (“green”), possibly referring to subtle coloration tones.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~5.5–6.0 g (0.19–0.21 oz)
🌎 Range: Southeastern Brazil (from southern Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul)
🧭 Elevation: Mostly below 1,000 m (3,300 ft), occasionally up to 1,300 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Humid and semi-humid Atlantic Forest, forest edges, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Trochilini (“Emeralds”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.
Species Overview
The Sombre Hummingbird is a relatively large and muted-colored species endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. While not flashy, its unique matte greenish-bronze plumage and robust build give it a distinctive appearance among South American hummingbirds. It is often solitary and keeps to the mid-levels of the forest or garden clearings.
Male Description:
Dusky greenish-bronze plumage overall with slight iridescence, a faint white spot behind the eye, and a dark, slightly forked tail. Bill is straight and mostly black.
Female Description:
Similar to the male, slightly duller, with a less intense green sheen. Both sexes lack strong color contrasts.
Habitat & Behavior:
Common in both natural and disturbed habitats, including gardens, plantations, and forest edges. It is an active and somewhat aggressive feeder, often returning to favored perches. Feeds on a variety of flowering plants and supplements diet with small insects. Typically silent but may give high-pitched squeaks during interactions.
Conservation Note:
The Sombre Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern due to its broad range and adaptability to disturbed and edge habitats. While large-scale deforestation in the Atlantic Forest biome remains a threat, this species persists in fragmented landscapes and is frequently observed near human habitation. Populations are considered stable at present.
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