Fiery Topaz

Overview

The fiery topaz (Topaza pyra) is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae, characterized by its brilliant iridescent plumage. This large hummingbird, part of the ancient topazes group, is considered a species of Least Concern despite a decreasing population trend.

Identification

• Males are brilliantly marked with shining orange-red backs, lower breasts, and upperwing-coverts, shading to yellow-green on the rump.
• They feature a velvet black head with an iridescent green and orange-red throat, and a short, decurved black bill approximately 25 mm long.
• Females are shining green above with a coppery-red gorget bordered by a narrow orange-yellow-green band, and have orange or flesh-colored feet.
• The species is distinguished from the similar crimson topaz by its shorter beak, longer wings and tail, and thinner rectrices.

Habitat

Endemic to the Amazonian rainforest, Topaza pyra inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It resides at elevations up to 500 metres above sea level, preferring forest edges, clearings near water, and river banks where it is often encountered high in the canopy.

Diet

Mainly nectarivorous, the fiery topaz feeds on flowers, vines, and epiphytes from eye level to high in the canopy, with a preference for high flowering vines. It also consumes insects, and has been observed feeding over rocky streams in the foothills of its territory.

Did you know?

The genus Topaza belongs to the topazes group, which represents one of the most ancient branches within the family Trochilidae and contains some of the largest hummingbirds, with adult males reaching up to 23 cm in length.