Birds
Green-backed Firecrown
Sephanoides sephaniodes · also called Chilean firecrown
Flashing a fiery orange-red crown against a shimmering green back, a green-backed firecrown breeds further south than nearly any other hummingbird species, proving the family can thrive in cold temperate forest as well as the tropics most people associate with hummingbirds.
Overview
The green-backed firecrown, Sephanoides sephaniodes, is a Least Concern bird native to forest and mountain habitat across southern Chile and Argentina. Its status as one of the southernmost-breeding hummingbird species, its striking fiery crown, and its role as a key pollinator of native Patagonian plants make it one of the more ecologically important and visually distinctive hummingbirds found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
A hummingbird that redefined the family’s range
Long assumed to be creatures of warm tropical climates, hummingbirds gained a very different reputation once the green-backed firecrown was found thriving in the cold temperate forests of southern Chile and Argentina, proving the family could adapt far beyond the tropics.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable temperate forest and garden habitat in southern Chile and Argentina.
Green-backed Firecrown: common questions
Why is the green-backed firecrown considered a record holder?
This species breeds further south than nearly any other hummingbird species, tolerating cold temperate forest conditions unusual for a family generally associated with warmer climates.
Why is it called the firecrown?
This species has males displaying a fiery orange-red crown, a feature that gives the species its common name and stands out clearly against its green back plumage.
Does the green-backed firecrown visit gardens?
Yes, this species has adapted well to gardens and parks in addition to its natural temperate forest habitat, becoming a familiar visitor in urban areas within its range.
Why is the green-backed firecrown ecologically important?
This species serves as a key pollinator for several native flowering plants across its range, a role of particular importance given the relative scarcity of other pollinators in cold temperate forest.