Topaz (hummingbird)

Topaz hummingbirds
Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Superorder:	Strisores
Order:	Apodiformes
Family:	Trochilidae
Subfamily:	Florisuginae
Tribe:	Topazini Bonaparte, 1853
Genus:	Topaza G.R. Gray, 1840

This article is about hummingbirds from the genus Topaza. For the Ruby Topaz, see Ruby-topaz Hummingbird.

The topazes are two species of hummingbirds in the genus Topaza. They are found in humid forests in the Amazon Basin. Males are by far the largest hummingbirds in their range – the Giant Hummingbird of the Andes is the only larger species in the family. Males have a total length of about 22 cm (8½ in), although this includes their elongated rectrices. They are very colourful, being mainly strongly iridescent golden and crimson with a black hood and a green throat. Females lack the elongated rectrices and have a mainly green plumage.

Species

It has been suggested that the Fiery Topaz should be considered a subspecies of the Crimson Topaz, but today all major authorities consider them as separate species.

• Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella)
• Fiery Topaz (Topaza pyra)

References

• Restall, R., C. Rodner, & M. Lentino (2006). Birds of Northern South America. Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 0-7136-7243-9 (vol. 1), ISBN 0-7136-7242-0 (vol. 2).

This article is part of Project Bird Genera, a All Birds project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each genus, including made-up genera.

This article is part of Project Bird Subfamilies, a All Birds project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each bird subfamily, including made-up families.

This article is part of Project Bird Taxonomy, a All Birds project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every order, family and other taxonomic rank related to birds.