Black Jacobin - BirdForum Opus

Florisuga fusca

Photo by JWN Andrewes

Size & features:

12 cm. Sexes alike. Frequently seen immature has less white in tail, appear slightly browner overall and has a cinnamon moustache. Identification of this striking black-and-white hummingbird usually presents no problems.

Distribution:

E. Brazil (from Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul), SE Paraguay, N. Uruguay and NE Argentina. Generally common.

Habitat:

Forest edge, woodland and gardens. To at least 1400 m. asl.

Behavior:

Mainly feeds on nectar. Will also take insects. Commonly seen at hummingbird feeders. 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.

Taxonomy:

Previously placed in the genus Melanotrochilus.

Identification

Photo taken at Serra dos Tucanos, Brazil.

External Links

• View more images of Black Jacobin in the gallery