- Florisuga fusca
Melanotrochilus fuscus
Identification
12–13 cm (4¾-5 in). Sexes alike, thought the female is generally smaller
- Black overall plumage
- Bronzed-green lower back, uppertail-coverts and upperwing coverts
- White under tail
Immature has less white in tail, appears slightly browner overall and has a cinnamon moustache.
Distribution
South America: found from eastern Brazil (from Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul), south-eastern Paraguay, northern Uruguay and north-eastern Argentina.
Generally common.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1], which has previously been placed in the genus Melanotrochilus.
Habitat
Forest edge, woodland and gardens. To at least 1400 m. asl.
Behavior
Diet
Mainly feeds on nectar. Will also take insects. Commonly seen at hummingbird feeders.
Breeding
Breeding Aug-May. The striking nuptial flight involves the male and female "zig-zagging" up to considerable height, followed by a brief stop and then a rapid dive. The two eggs are placed in a cup-shaped nest 1-4 m. above ground.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved March 2016)
- Arthur Grosset's Birds
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Black Jacobin. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black_Jacobin
