The Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae) is a captivating hummingbird, easily recognized by its rich brown plumage and striking violet auriculars. This small but vivid bird stands out against the dense green backdrop of the forests and edges it calls home. With an average length of 11.5 cm and a weight of just 6.5–7 g, the Brown Violetear is a compact yet striking species.

Its plumage is predominantly a warm, brownish hue, with a slightly rufous tone on the rump and a more muted, greyish underside. The sharp contrast of its brilliant violet ear patches adds a pop of color, making it one of the most distinctive of Panama’s hummingbirds. Its short, straight beak is perfectly adapted for probing the delicate flowers it feeds on, gathering nectar with remarkable precision.

The Brown Violetear is typically found in humid evergreen forests, where it thrives in semi-open areas such as second-growth patches, forest edges, and even the shaded sections of coffee plantations. These environments provide the perfect blend of floral abundance and cover, essential for both feeding and nesting.

This species exhibits a fascinating social behavior during its breeding season.

Males gather in loose leks, where dozens of individuals engage in an energetic display of vocalizations and flight displays. The song, a vigorous and repetitive “chit,” reverberates through the forest as these males compete for the attention of potential mates.

Breeding is typically confined to higher elevations, ranging from 500 to 900 meters, but outside of the breeding season, these hummingbirds may descend to lower altitudes in search of food and more temperate climates. Their adaptability to a variety of environments and their impressive vocal displays make the Brown Violetear a remarkable subject of study and a mesmerizing sight for birdwatchers in Panama.

Sources:

• A Field Guide to the Birds of Panama by Robert S. Ridgely and John A. Gwynne - This field guide offers detailed descriptions of bird species found in Panama, including hummingbirds like the Brown Violetear, its habitat preferences, and behavior.

• Where to Find Birds in Panama: A Site Guide for Birders by George Angehr, Dodge Engleman, and Lorna Engleman - This guide is an excellent resource for birdwatchers looking to learn more about specific species in Panama, including hummingbirds and their seasonal movements.

• The Birds of Panama: A Field Guide by George R. Angehr and Robert S. Ridgely - A comprehensive field guide to birds of Panama that includes descriptions of the Brown Violetear's appearance, habitat, and behavior.

• BirdLife International - The official BirdLife International website provides detailed species accounts and habitat information, which may be useful for understanding the distribution and breeding of the Brown Violetear. (https://www.birdlife.org/)

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: All About Birds - The Cornell Lab’s website offers in-depth information on various bird species, including their behavior, diet, and habitat. Their resources are particularly helpful for understanding species like the Brown Violetear. (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/)

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