Hooded Visorbearer Augastes lumachella Scientific name definitions

The duo of spectacular hummingbirds that comprise the genus Augastes is restricted to the tablelands of interior Brazil, and both species are much prized by visiting birdwatchers. The Hooded Visorbearer is arguably the more stunning of the two species, and is endemic to the central part of the state of Bahia, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid montane scrub (at 950–1600 m) rich in cacti, bromeliads, and terrestrial orchids. Listed by BirdLife International as Near Threatened on account of its small range, bounded to the north by Morro do Chapéu, and Barra da Estiva in the south, fortunately there appear to be relatively few ongoing threats to the Hooded Visorbearer, which is still fairly common where suitable habitat remains.