About Clytolaema rubricauda (Boddaert, 1783)
The Brazilian ruby, Clytolaema rubricauda (Boddaert, 1783), measures 10.8 to 11.3 cm (4.3 to 4.4 in) in total length. Males weigh between 7 and 9.2 g (0.25 to 0.32 oz), while females weigh 5.9 to 7.1 g (0.21 to 0.25 oz). Both sexes share a medium-length black bill and a distinct white spot behind the eye. Adult males have an iridescent emerald green forehead and crown, a green nape, and golden bronze coloring on the back and rump. Their chin is blackish, their throat gorget is a shining ruby red, their breast is iridescent emerald green, and their belly is dark gray with green speckles. The central tail feathers are golden bronze, and the remaining tail feathers are rufous with bronze edges. Adult females have grass green coloring on the crown and back, a cinnamon rump, and entirely cinnamon underparts. Their tail matches the color pattern of the male's tail. Juveniles resemble adult females, with the addition of medium-length head feathers. Melanistic color morphs of this species are frequent. The Brazilian ruby is distributed across eastern and southeastern Brazil, ranging from Bahia in the north southward to Rio Grande do Sul. It inhabits forest interiors, scrublands, parks, and banana plantations, and is frequently observed visiting bird feeders. It is most abundant at elevations below 500 m (1,600 ft), though its range extends as high as 1,500 m (4,900 ft).
