description Horned sungem Overview
The horned sungem is the sole Heliactin hummingbird, native mainly to Brazil's Cerrado and named in 1820 for the male's horn-like head plumes.
help Horned sungem FAQ
What does the male horned sungem look like?
It is a striking hummingbird species where the male features a pair of long, iridescent horn-like head plumes. These plumes are typically a brilliant mix of red, blue, and green, which they use to attract females.
Where does the horned sungem live in the wild?
This hummingbird is primarily native to the Cerrado region of central Brazil. It prefers open savanna habitats and dry scrublands, though it has adapted to living in some man-made gardens.
What genus does the horned sungem belong to?
It is the sole member of the genus Heliactin, making it entirely unique among hummingbirds. It was officially described and named by the French naturalist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1820.
What do horned sungems eat?
Like most hummingbirds, they feed heavily on the nectar of brightly colored, tubular flowers. They also consume small insects and spiders as a crucial source of protein for their high-metabolism diet.
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