Hyacinth Visorbearer Augastes scutatus
Hyacinth Visorbearer, Minas Gerais, Brazil, February 2002 - click for larger image Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil
February 2002

The Hyacinth Visorbearer is a Brazilian endemic and is classified as Near threatened by Birdlife International. It is found in a small area of Minas Gerais including the Serra do Cipó.

Hyacinth Visorbearer, Minas Gerais, Brazil, February 2002 - click for larger image There are two ecological races or subspecies in this area. The one shown in the photos is the nominate A. s. scutatus which is found at higher elevations up to 2,000 metres in rocky areas with low vegetation but with sufficient flowers and ground bromeliads to provide it with nectar.

The other subspecies, A. s. ilseae is found at lower elevations between 900 and 1,200 metres where it inhabits gallery forest.

There are illustrations in HBW, Volume 5, Pages 483 and 658; and in Sick, Plate 45.
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