Confirmed presence of Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) in Argentina

Abstract

A juvenile male Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) was discovered in a garden of Puerto Iguazú, Misiones province, Argentina, on April 11, 2001, where it remained until May 1, feeding alongside other eight hummingbird species at well maintained feeders. During this period, the individual was photographed and watched by numerous observers. The species is a migrant in adjacent Paraná state, Brazil. The present sighting constitutes the first confirmed record for the species in Argentina and in Misiones province, where it was known only from a vague historical record involving a lost specimen. We describe the identification and behaviour, and discuss possible reasons of its occurrence at Iguazú.