Stephanoxis lalandi (Vieillot, 1818)

Taxonomic Identification

The green-crowned plovercrest, Stephanoxis lalandi (Vieillot, 1818), measures 8.5 to 9 cm (3.3 to 3.5 in) in total length. Males weigh 3 to 3.4 g (0.11 to 0.12 oz), while females weigh approximately 2.2 g (0.078 oz). Both sexes share a short, straight, black bill.

Adult Male Crest

Adult males have a shaggy crest that is mostly iridescent green, with the longest feather on the crest being purplish black. Their face is gray with a small white spot behind the eye.

Adult Male Plumage

Their upperparts are shining bronze-green, their plumage from the chin to the upper belly is violet-blue, and the remainder of their underparts is gray. Their central tail feathers are green; all other tail feathers are green with a blackish band near the tip and grayish white tips.

Female and Juvenile Appearance

Adult females and juveniles have a smaller crest than adult males, with shining green upperparts and gray underparts.

Geographic Distribution

This species is distributed across the eastern Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. It inhabits forest understory, scrublands, and riparian vegetation alongside watercourses.

Elevation Range

Most individuals occur between sea level and approximately 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in elevation, though the species has been recorded as high as 2,900 m (9,500 ft).