The Berylline Hummingbird, Amazilia beryllina, sometimes placed in the genus Saucerottia, is a medium-sized hummingbird. It is 8-10 cm long, and weighs 4-5 g.
The adult Berylline hummingbird is mostly metallic olive green and have a lower belly that is rusty gray in color. The gorget is a brighter green than the back. They have a rufous colored tail and primary wings which are slightly forked. Under the wing is also rufous in color. There is also some purple on the rump, wing and tail feathers.
The male Berylline hummingbird has a dark red (almost black) beak that is straight and very slender. The female Berylline hummingbird is similar in coloration but not quite as colorful as the male.
They breed in Central America in the forests and thickets of western Mexico to central Honduras. It sometimes strays to the south-eastern part of Arizona and sometimes breeds there. The female will build a nest in a shrub or tree that is protected from the wind and sun and she will lay two white eggs.
The Berylline hummingbird feeds on flower nectar from flowers and flowering trees using a long extendable tongue. They also catch insects to eat.
Berylline Hummingbird picture
Berylline Hummingbird along Panuco Road north of Copala, Sinaloa, Mexico, 090108. Amazilia beryllina.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jroldenettel/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Berylline Hummingbird picture
Location: South Mexico City, Mexico.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pleautaud/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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