Stephanoxis loddigesii (Vigors, 1831)

Taxonomy and Total Length

The purple-crowned plovercrest, scientifically named Stephanoxis loddigesii (Vigors, 1831), measures 8.5 to 9.5 cm (3.3 to 3.7 in) in total length.

Male Weight

Males weigh approximately 3.7 g (0.13 oz).

Bill Morphology

Both males and females have a moderately short, straight, black bill.

Adult Male Crest

Adult males have a shaggy violet-blue crest.

Adult Male Facial and Throat Coloration

Their face, chin, and throat are brownish, with a white spot located behind the eye.

Adult Male Upperpart Coloration

Their upperparts are yellowish green.

Adult Male Underpart Coloration

From their lower throat to their upper belly, the plumage is blackish violet-blue, and the rest of their underparts are gray.

Adult Male Tail Structure and Coloration

Their central two pairs of tail feathers are green; the remaining tail feathers are green with a blackish band near the tip and whitish ends.

Female and Juvenile Crest Size

Adult females and juveniles have a much smaller crest.

Female and Juvenile Plumage Coloration

Like adult males, their upperparts are yellowish green and their underparts are gray.

Geographic Distribution

This species is distributed in eastern Paraguay, far northeastern Argentina, and southern Brazil, reaching as far north as southern São Paulo state.

Habitat

It inhabits the forest understory, scrublands, and vegetation growing alongside watercourses.

Elevation Range

Its elevation range extends from sea level to approximately 900 m (3,000 ft).