Crowned Woodnymph

The Crowned Woodnymph occurs in the humid lowland and foothill forests of western and eastern Ecuador, typically between 400 and 1,200 meters, where it frequents forest interiors, edges, and semi-open habitats rich in flowering plants. Though generally uncommon, it is locally numerous in suitable habitat, often seen foraging energetically at mid-levels and known for its dazzling iridescent plumage and rapid, agile flight. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its broad range and large global population, though its numbers are suspected to be slowly declining from ongoing habitat loss. Natural history observations highlight its solitary nectar-feeding behavior, occasional insect consumption, and territorial males that defend feeding sites with aerial displays; nesting remains poorly documented but is presumed to occur in concealed forest vegetation.