The bird in today’s image is the Violet-capped Woodnymph (Thalurania glaucopis) — a jewel of the Brazilian forests. But few people know how close this species came to disappearing forever.
In the 19th century, the famous English ornithologist John Gould documented a troubling trend in his monumental hummingbird monograph published in 1861. At the time, Ursuline nuns in Brazil (a Catholic order dedicated to educating girls) were also renowned for creating exquisite miniature artificial flowers to be shipped to Europe. Their secret ingredient?Real hummingbird feathers.
And not just a few. Thousands upon thousands of wild hummingbirds were captured, especially this species, prized for its brilliant iridescent greens and violets. The demand was relentless. Entire populations were stripped from the forest canopy to decorate fashionable crafts. The slaughter became so intense that the Violet-capped Woodnymph was pushed to the brink of extinction.
Ironically, what saved the species was subtle biology: Females lack the intense iridescence of males. They were less desirable for decoration, and enough survived to keep the species alive when the killing finally slowed.
Nature forgives — but she never forgets.
On our hummingbird tour this November, you could learn how to take this type of photograph, and I can also entertain you with interesting trivia.
More information at www.hummingbirdextravaganza.com