Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)

Indigo-capped Hummingbird (Saucerottia cyanifrons) - HBW 5, p. 603

French: Ariane à front bleu German: Blaukappenamazilie Spanish: Amazilia Capiazul
Other common names: Blue-capped/Blue-fronted Hummingbird

Taxonomy: Trochilus cyanifrons Bourcier, 1843, Ibague, Colombia.
Genus usually merged into Amazilia. Forms a superspecies with S. saucerrottei. A certain amount of taxonomic confusion has resulted mainly from occurrence of differing phenotypes. The status of S. alfaroana from Volcán de Miravalles (Costa Rica) has been the subject of controversy due to its unusual turquoise blue cap, among other features; since a hybrid origin is most unlikely for phenotypical reasons, more recent opinion suggests that the unique type represents a race of present species; however, other morphological characters, including size, place alfaroana close to S. saucerrottei as well, so specific status should not be rejected; nevertheless, considering the lack of recent records, S. alfaroana should probably be regarded as extinct. A melanistic variety formerly called “Eriocnemis incultus” or “S. nunezi” refers to present species; the specimens concerned have also been erroneously considered aberrant individuals of S. viridigaster. Monotypic.

Distribution: N & C Colombia.