Crimson topaz


The crimson topaz is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae.

Subspecies

Subspecies within this species include:
This species can be found in Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Habitat

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest up to 500 m. They live in the upper and middle canopy, and are rarely seen on the ground.

Description

Topaza pella can reach a length of in males, while females reach. Both males and females weigh about 10 grams. It may be the second largest species of hummingbird after the giant hummingbird.
The male crimson topaz is notably larger and, with iridescent crimson plumage and sparkling green throat, more spectacular-looking than the female. Belly and breast are metallic orange-red. The wings are brown and are maroon in the lower part. The long tail coverts are golden green. They have short, slightly curved beaks that allow them to feed from a variety of local plants.

Biology

These hummingbirds mainly feed on nectar of flowering trees in the canopy of the forest.