Crimson Topaz

Overview

The Crimson Topaz is among the largest hummingbirds in South America, found along forest rivers and edges in the Guiana Shield, Amazon basin, and adjacent lowlands. Its size and brilliant coloring make it a standout even among the region's many dazzling hummingbird species.

Adult males are unmistakable, combining a rich crimson body with an emerald-green throat patch and unusually long, twisted tail feathers. Females are far duller, lacking the elongated tail and showing more subdued bronze-green tones.

Feather Identification

• Body feathers: Deep red-orange with a metallic sheen that shifts with light angle
• Throat feathers: Small, scale-like, glittering emerald-green in males
• Tail feathers: Central pair greatly elongated and curved, crossing near the tips in adult males; overall tail is golden-copper
• Shaft color: Dark, inconspicuous against the vivid vane color
• Size: Notably larger and heavier-shafted than most hummingbird feathers, reflecting the species' large body size
• Similar species: No other hummingbird in its range combines crimson body plumage with crossed, elongated tail streamers

Plumage Details

Adult male Crimson Topaz have a glowing crimson-red back and underparts, a glittering green throat bordered in black, and elongated central tail feathers that cross one another, tipped in violet-black. Females are duller overall, bronzy-green above with paler underparts and a shorter, less ornate tail. Juveniles resemble females until maturing into full adult plumage over successive molts. There is no distinct seasonal plumage variation beyond normal feather wear and molt.

Habitat & Range

This species inhabits lowland tropical rainforest, especially along rivers, streams, and forest edges in the Guiana Shield (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana), southern Venezuela, and the northern Amazon basin of Brazil. It is non-migratory, remaining resident within humid forest habitat year-round, often perching on low branches over water.

Behavior & Field Notes

Crimson Topaz feed on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs along waterways, supplementing their diet with small insects. Males perform display flights and defend favored perches near feeding areas. Nests are small cups built low over water on twigs or vines. Calls include sharp, high-pitched chips. Observers most often see this species perched on exposed branches near rivers rather than in continuous flight.