Horned sungem

The horned sungem (Heliactin bilophus) is a species of hummingbird native to central and eastern South America. The sexes differ markedly in appearance, with males sporting two feather tufts ("horns") above the eyes that are shiny red, golden, and green. Males also have a shiny blue head crest and a black throat with a pointed "beard". The female is plainer and has a brown or yellow-buff throat. Both sexes have long tails and a comparatively short, black bill. The species is found across much of central Brazil, and also occurs in parts of Bolivia and Suriname. It prefers open habitats such as savanna and grassland. Thanks to its ability to occupy human-created habitats such as gardens, it recently expanded its range into southern Amazonia and Espírito Santo; few other hummingbird species have recently expanded their range. It is the only species within its genus, Heliactin.

A nomadic species, the horned sungem may migrate in response to the seasonal flowering of the plants it feeds on. It relies on a broad variety of flowering plants for nectar. If the shape of the flower is incompatible with the bird's comparatively short bill, it may rob the nectar through a little hole at the base of the flower. The sungem may also feed on small insects. Only the female will build the nest, incubate the eggs, and rear the chicks. The female lays two white eggs in a small cup nest which are incubated for about 13 days. The chicks are naked and black after hatching, and can fly after 20 to 22 days. The horned sungem has been reported to readily defend territories both against members of its own species and against subordinate hummingbird species. The species is currently classified as least concern by the IUCN, and its population is thought to be increasing.