Versicolored emerald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Versicolored emerald |
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| Versicoloured emerald in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chrysuronia
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| Species: |
versicolor
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| Synonyms | |
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Agyrtria versicolor |
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The versicoloured emerald (Chrysuronia versicolor) is a beautiful hummingbird. It lives in central and eastern South America. These tiny birds are known for their bright, shiny feathers.
About Its Name
Scientists often study animals to understand them better. Sometimes, they change how animals are grouped or named. This bird's scientific name is Chrysuronia versicolor. It used to be in a different group called Amazilia. But after more studies, scientists moved it to the Chrysuronia group. This helps them understand how different birds are related.
Some types of Versicoloured emeralds look a bit different. These are called subspecies. For example, some have white throats, while others have green or blue throats.
What It Looks Like
The Versicoloured emerald is a small bird. It is about 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long. Its beak is fairly long and curves down a little. The beak is black, but the bottom part is often flesh-colored or orange.
Its tail is a coppery-green color. It has a dark band near the end. The top part of its body and its sides are also coppery-green. The middle of its belly and the feathers under its tail are white.
The color of its throat, face, and head can change. This depends on the individual bird and its subspecies. Some have green or turquoise throats. Others have bluish or white throats. Most have green faces and heads. But some types, like the hollandi and rondoniae subspecies, have blue faces and heads.
Where It Lives
This hummingbird lives in many parts of South America. You can find it in northern Bolivia and eastern Paraguay. It also lives in north-eastern Argentina. Most of its home is in eastern, southern, and central Brazil. It does not live in very dry areas or most of the Amazon Basin. However, it can be found along big rivers like the Amazon River.
There is also a group of these birds in far north-western Brazil. They are also found in southern Venezuela, western Guyana, and eastern Colombia.
Its Home and Habitat
The Versicoloured emerald likes places with some trees. It can even live in cities! It usually avoids thick, wet forests. Instead, it prefers more open areas. You might see it along the edges of forests or near large rivers.
This bird is quite common. It might even be benefiting from deforestation. This is when forests are cleared in tropical South America. The open areas created by deforestation can be good for this hummingbird.
