Green-backed Firecrown

Overview

The green-backed firecrown (Sephanoides sephaniodes) is a hummingbird within the coquettes tribe of the subfamily Lesbiinae. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Males possess an iridescent red-yellow crown, bronzy green upperparts, slaty green wings and tails, and pale buff underparts with black and green spots.
• Females lack the colored crown and are smaller than males but have longer bills.
• Adults measure 10 to 10.5 cm in length, with males weighing approximately 5.5 g and females around 5 g.
• The song consists of high-pitched notes interspersed with gravelly trills and squeaky notes, described as 'pseee...pseee...krrr.skee.skee.skee....psee...', while the call is a single 'psee' or 'skee'.

Habitat

Found in southern Chile and adjoining Argentina, with an isolated population on the Juan Fernández Islands. It inhabits forest edges, eucalyptus plantations, clearings, thickets, and gardens across elevations from sea level to above 2,000 m. The species thrives in human-altered landscapes such as city parks and gardens.

Diet

Feeds on nectar from native and introduced flowering plants, favoring genera such as Abutilon, Embothrium, and Fuchsia. It often perches on flowers to feed rather than hovering. The bird is notably territorial and has been observed chasing larger birds, including caracaras.

Did you know?

Despite its small size, the green-backed firecrown is intensely territorial and has been noted to chase birds as large as caracaras. It also demonstrates advanced memory by recalling the location of the most rewarding nectar among less rewarding flowers.