10/08/2023
The Velvet-purple Coronet, a medium-sized hummingbird, appears to be blackish in dim lighting. However, when viewed from the correct angle, it transforms into a stunning gem with a purple belly and crown, turquoise sides, and greenish wing coverts. Observe the bright white flashes in its tail. Like other coronets, this bird raises its wings for a brief moment when it lands, revealing its rich chestnut underwings. Both males and females have similar appearances. The species has a limited distribution in western Colombia and Ecuador, where it is generally uncommon in moist cloud forests and edges within the lower subtropical zone.
