Image via Macaulay Library
Purple-crowned Plovercrest
- Scientific name
- Stephanoxis loddigesii
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Purple-crowned Plovercrest, scientifically classified as Stephanoxis loddigesii, is a striking member of the Trochilidae family native to the humid forests of southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. Taxonomically, it was historically grouped with the Green-crowned Plovercrest, but modern ornithological study has increasingly treated it as a distinct species based on its unique plumage and geographic distribution. It was first described in the mid-19th century, reflecting the era's intense European interest in documenting the biodiversity of the Neotropics.
The bird is distinguished by its namesake purple crest, which can be raised or lowered, and its sharply pointed wings and notched tail, both of which are specialized evolutionary adaptations for rapid, agile flight through dense understory vegetation. Its visual design in nature serves both camouflage and display, allowing it to navigate shadowed forest tiers while signaling to potential mates. It is highly regarded by birders and naturalists for its rarity and its specialized habitat requirements within the Atlantic Forest biome.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Purple-crowned Plovercrest
Purple-crowned Plovercrest is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Purple-crowned Plovercrest on collecto.rs?
Purple-crowned Plovercrest doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Purple-crowned Plovercrest?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Purple-crowned Plovercrest catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Purple-crowned Plovercrest is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
