Scientific name Topaza Higher classification Trochilinae | Family Trochilidae Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications | ||
The topazes are two species of hummingbirds in the genus Topaza. They are found in humid forests in the Amazon Basin. Males are by far the largest hummingbirds in their range – the giant hummingbird of the Andes is the only larger species in the family. Males have a total length of about 22 cm (8 3⁄4 in), although this includes their elongated rectrices. They are very colourful, being mainly strongly iridescent golden and crimson with a black hood and a green throat. Females lack the elongated rectrices and have a mainly green plumage.
Species
The lineage commonly referred to as Topazes entails two distinct genera, Topaza and Florisuga which split approximately 18 million years ago.
The genus Topaza contains two separate species, the Crimson topaz and the Fiery topaz. It has been suggested that the fiery topaz should be considered a subspecies of the crimson topaz, but today all major authorities consider them as separate species.
The genus Florisuga encompasses the two species, the White-necked jacobin and the Black jacobin.
