Featured Bird Time!

The Dazzling Green-Crowned Plovercrest: Nature’s Tiny Jewel

If you’ve ever dreamed of stumbling upon a living gem in the wild, let me introduce you to the green-crowned plovercrest (Stephanoxis lalandi), a hummingbird so vibrant it could make a rainbow jealous. This pint-sized marvel, found in the lush forests of South America, is proof that the best things come in small packages. Buckle up for a fun dive into what makes this feathered fireball so special!

A Sparkle in the Forest

Picture this: you’re hiking through Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the air thick with the scent of orchids and the hum of life. Suddenly, a flash of iridescent green zips by, hovering like a tiny UFO. That’s the green-crowned plovercrest! Measuring just 3.5 inches long, this hummingbird is a master of stealing the show. Its crown—oh, that crown!—shimmers like an emerald under sunlight, especially in males, who sport a dazzling crest that screams, “Look at me!”

Fun fact: The green-crowned plovercrest’s crest isn’t just for show. Males use it to woo females in a courtship dance that’s basically the bird equivalent of a Broadway performance. They dart, dive, and flash their colors, proving that confidence and style aren’t exclusive to humans.

Hummingbird Hustle

Like all hummingbirds, the plovercrest is a metabolic miracle. Its heart can beat up to 1,200 times a minute, powering wings that flap so fast they’re a blur. These little dynamos need to eat constantly—think nectar, small insects, and even spider webs (yes, they’re the ultimate snack scavengers). They’ll visit hundreds of flowers a day, pollinating as they go, making them the unsung heroes of their ecosystem.

But here’s the kicker: the green-crowned plovercrest is picky about its home. It loves the high-altitude forests of southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, where the air is cool and the flowers are plentiful. Deforestation, though, is cramping its style, so conservation efforts are key to keeping this jewel shining.

Quirky and Lovable

What’s not to love about a bird that’s basically a flying disco ball? The green-crowned plovercrest has personality in spades. Males are territorial, zipping around to chase off rivals with the ferocity of a tiny, feathered bouncer. Meanwhile, females are the practical ones, building delicate nests from plant fibers and spider silk (because who needs glue when you’ve got arachnid interior decorators?).

Oh, and their sound? It’s not exactly a song—more like a high-pitched buzz that says, “I’m here, I’m fabulous, and I’m in a hurry.” If you ever hear it, you’ll know you’re in the presence of hummingbird royalty.

Why We’re Obsessed

The green-crowned plovercrest isn’t just a bird; it’s a reminder of nature’s knack for creating tiny miracles. Its dazzling colors, lightning-fast moves, and big personality make it a standout in the animal kingdom. Plus, it’s a pollinator powerhouse, helping keep those lush South American forests blooming.

So, next time you’re daydreaming about adventure, imagine tracking down this little gem in the wild. Or, better yet, support conservation efforts to protect its habitat—because the world needs more sparkle, and the green-crowned plovercrest delivers it in spades.

Come with Us!

Want to see this gem and so much more? Join us on our big Hummingbird Photographic Trip:

Dates: September 4th to September 15th, 2025

Location: Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest- We visit 6 locations in order to photograph up to 23 species, many endemics and many rare!

Purpose: To photograph hummingbirds using various methods including Multi-Flash Photography. We will also have a chance to see and photograph many many other bird species including tanagers, toucans, parrots, raptors, owls, finches, woodcreepers and many endemics. This trip will be hard to beat!