The Lesser Violetear, is a medium-sized, metallic green hummingbird found in forested areas from Costa Rica to northern South America. This subspecies cabanidis, displays a stunning plumage, characterized by a glittering violet ear-patch on the sides of its neck, a shining green throat and chest, and a metallic blue-green tail with bronzy central feathers and a black subterminal band​​​​. With a total length of approximately 3.8 to 4.7 inches and a bill length of about 0.71 to 0.98 inches, the lesser violetear falls into the medium size range for hummingbirds. Their body mass typically ranges from 0.17 to 0.20 ounces. This bird can be found in a variety of habitats including the canopy and borders of subtropical and lower temperate forests, secondary woodlands and scrub, and even in clearings and gardens within subtropical zones. They are usually recorded at altitudes between 3,900 to 7,500 feet, but can occasionally venture down to around 1,600 feet in search of food sources​​. Solitary males of this species are known for their unique behavior of singing from high, exposed twigs in their territory every day. The lesser violetear has a wide range and large overall population, with a stable population trend. It is not currently considered threatened and is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Photographed in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.