Bird
Bird
Blue-chinned Sapphire
Chlorestes notatus
The Blue-chinned Sapphire is a small, brilliantly iridescent hummingbird of Trinidad's forest edge and clearings, the male's glittering green plumage and small blue chin patch flashing vividly whenever it catches direct sunlight while feeding or perched.
The Blue-chinned Sapphire is a small, brilliantly iridescent hummingbird of Trinidad's forest edge and clearings, the male's glittering green plumage and small blue chin patch flashing vividly whenever it catches direct sunlight while feeding or perched.
Identification
A small hummingbird around 9 to 10 cm long. The male is brilliant iridescent green overall with a small, bright blue patch on the chin and throat, visible at close range or in good light, and a slightly forked, blackish tail. The female is duller green above with grey underparts and lacks the blue chin patch. The bill is straight and moderately long, typical of many territorial, non-hermit hummingbirds.
Ecology
Unlike traplining hermits, the Blue-chinned Sapphire defends a feeding territory of flowering plants and shrubs, aggressively chasing off rival hummingbirds and even larger birds from favoured nectar sources. It feeds on nectar from a wide range of flowering trees and shrubs at forest edge, clearings, and gardens, and takes small insects, often caught in brief aerial sallies. It builds a small cup nest of plant down and spider web, saddled on a thin horizontal branch.
Status in T&T
Common at forest edge, clearings, and gardens with suitable flowering plants across Trinidad. It is not threatened and adapts well to semi-open, disturbed habitat. It is protected under the Conservation of Wildlife Act and is not a game species.
Threats
- No major threats; adapts well to semi-open and garden habitat
