002 Lesser violetear displaying its ears to a Green-crowned brilliant in Los Quetzales National Park Photo by Giles Laur

A CLOSER LOOK

Lesser violetear displaying its “ears” to a Green-crowned brilliant in Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica. Both of these birds are very territorial. A Lesser violetear displays its violet "ears" by flaring the feathers out from the sides of its head. This is usually a threatening gesture, used when the bird is defending its territory or fighting with other hummingbirds. The display is a way to make itself appear larger. The intimidating gestures of the Lesser violetear (which was also moving its wings and tail quickly) worked and the Green-crowned brilliant flew away after a few seconds.

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