Aglaeactis is a genus of hummingbirds in the family Trochilidae.

Species

Aglaeactis contains the following species:

Genus Aglaeactis – Gould, 1848 – four species
Common nameScientific name and subspeciesRangeSize and ecologyIUCN status and estimated population
Shining sunbeamAglaeactis cupripennis (Bourcier, 1843) Two subspecies A. c. cupripennisA. c. caumatonotaColombia, Ecuador, and PeruSize: 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 in) long. Males weigh 7.6 to 8.1 g (0.27 to 0.29 oz) and females 6.9 to 7.5 g (0.24 to 0.26 oz) Habitat: Diet:LC
Purple-backed sunbeamAglaeactis aliciae Salvin, 1896PeruSize: Habitat: Diet:VU
White-tufted sunbeamAglaeactis castelnaudii (Bourcier & Mulsant, 1848)PeruSize: 12 cm in height and weighs 7- 8.5 g. Habitat: Diet:LC
Black-hooded sunbeamAglaeactis pamela (d'Orbigny, 1838)BoliviaSize: 12 cm (4.7 in) long including its 15 mm (0.59 in) straight black bill. Males weigh about 5.2 g (0.18 oz) and females 5.8 g (0.20 oz). Habitat: Diet:LC

Territories

Shining sunbeam territories are characterized by highly utilized central core areas with high overall use, but low foraging activity. These territories are usually those associated with structural complexity like canopy coverings, vegetation densities, and ideal nesting/roosting sites. High canopy heights and adequate vegetation densities allow these hummingbirds to effectively transmit auditory and visual signals. More exposed and elevated perches are usually favored. These birds pick the most ideal territories to avoid predators and defend their territories.