Black-eared Fairy

Identification

The black-eared fairy is a small hummingbird, measuring 10.1 to 13.7 cm long and weighing only 4 to 6.3 grams. Males are striking birds with bright shiny green upperparts contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. The most distinctive features are the black patch below the eye, glittering purple ear coverts, and a long pointed tail with darkish blue central feathers and white outer feathers. Females lack the purple facial markings and have grayish dots on the throat and breast, with black bands at the base of their three outer tail feathers. Immature birds show cinnamon fringes on their upperparts. The species has a short, straight black bill and produces distinctive calls including a short high-pitched "tsit" and a richer "tchip" repeated at intervals.

Range & Habitat

The black-eared fairy is found across mainland South America, from southeastern Colombia and eastern Ecuador through Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil, with three recognised subspecies occupying different regions. The species inhabits the interior and edges of wet primary and secondary forests, most commonly below 400 meters in elevation but occurring as high as 800 meters. The bird is believed to be largely sedentary, though some irregular movements have been reported in southern Brazil.

Behaviour & Diet

Black-eared fairies forage primarily in the mid-story and canopy levels, though in terra firme forest they will feed at all heights. They take nectar from a variety of flowering plants using two techniques: inserting the bill directly into the flower's corolla and piercing the base to rob nectar. Unlike some hummingbird relatives, they also actively feed on small insects captured on the wing. These birds breed throughout the year, with females alone responsible for building the tiny cup nest of plant down on a vertical branch, incubating eggs, and raising young. Clutches contain two eggs, with incubation lasting 15 to 16 days and fledging occurring 23 to 26 days after hatching. Young birds reach breeding maturity in their second year.

Best Time & Places to See It

The black-eared fairy can be encountered year-round throughout its range, as it breeds continuously. It is considered fairly common in parts of its very large range and occurs in several protected areas across South America. Since the species is sedentary, birds in specific locations can be reliably found throughout the year. The best opportunities are in wet forest habitats where flowering plants attract these energetic nectar-feeders.

Photography Tips

Photographing black-eared fairies requires patience and fast camera settings suitable for hummingbird flight. Focus on the mid-story and canopy levels where these birds typically forage. The males' glittering purple ear coverts and distinctive facial markings make compelling subjects, particularly when side-lit to showcase the iridescent plumage. Early morning hours often provide the best light and activity levels. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze wing motion, and consider positioning yourself near flowering plants or known feeding territories to maximize encounter opportunities.