description Ruby-topaz hummingbird Overview
The ruby-topaz hummingbird, *Chrysolampis mosquitus*, is a small hummingbird species native to open country habitats across the Caribbean and South America. Its distinctive bright red throat patch, or gorget, earned it its name. This extant bird is notable for being one of the few hummingbird species primarily found in non-tropical environments. It’s particularly interesting to ornithologists studying hummingbird diversity and distribution as well as enthusiasts observing open country birdlife within the Caribbean basin.
help Ruby-topaz hummingbird FAQ
What is the scientific name of the ruby-topaz hummingbird?
The scientific name of the ruby-topaz hummingbird is Chrysolampis mosquitus. It is the only species in the genus Chrysolampis, making it taxonomically unique among hummingbirds.
Where is the ruby-topaz hummingbird found?
The ruby-topaz hummingbird ranges from Panama in Central America south through Venezuela and Colombia to Brazil and Bolivia. It inhabits open and semi-open habitats including gardens, savannas, and forest edges across this broad tropical range.
Who first described the ruby-topaz hummingbird?
The ruby-topaz hummingbird was named by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, appearing in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. This was the foundational work of modern binomial nomenclature.
What subfamily does the ruby-topaz hummingbird belong to?
The ruby-topaz hummingbird is classified within the Polytminae, a subfamily of hummingbirds sometimes called the mangoes and allied groups. Members of this group are found primarily in tropical regions of Central and South America.
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