Return of Bird of the Week: Sparkling Violetear

This is a larger cousin of the Lesser Violetear posted a few weeks back. The extensive violet-blue patch on the belly differentiates it from the other Violetears. It’s also distinguished by behavior: this species energetically defends blooming flowers from all other species of hummingbirds, butterflies and even bees. It’s the dominant species at most hummingbird feeders in its range. This species has an extensive range, extending from Panama to Argentina, generally at mid- to high elevations. WC has seen it at 11,500 feet, but it ranges higher. It adapts well to urban gardens and parks. Except when feeding hatchlings, this…