Diamantina sabrewing

The Diamantina sabrewing was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the grey-breasted sabrewing (Campylopterus largipennis). In a 2017 paper Lopes et al. provided convincing evidence that it deserved species status.[5] Starting in 2020 the South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society and worldwide taxonomic systems agreed, recognizing the Diamantina sabrewing. It is monotypic.[6][3][7][4]

The Diamantina sabrewing is a large hummingbird, about 13.4 cm (5.3 in) long. Males weigh about 8.5 g (0.30 oz) and females 8.0 g (0.28 oz). The sexes have almost identical plumage including a white spot behind the eye. Their bill is long and slightly decurved; the maxilla is black and the mandible whitish with a brownish tip. Male's upperparts are dark grass green with a darker crown and their underparts dark gray. Their tail's central two pairs of feathers are metallic bronze-green. The other three pairs have bright bronze-green bases that grades through dark olive gray to a wide white tip. The female differs only by being a slightly duller green.[8]

The Diamantina sabrewing is found only in the Espinhaço Range of southeastern Brazil's Minas Gerais state. It inhabits forested streams and ravines in campos rupestre, a high elevation, dry, fire-prone biome between 1,000 and 2,000 m (3,300 and 6,600 ft). The type locality is Córrego das Pedras in the municipality of Diamantina.[5][8]

The IUCN has assessed the Diamantina sabrewing as Near Threatened. It has a very small range and its population size is unknown and believed to be decreasing. Its already restricted habitat is projected to further decrease in area due to climate change.[1] Its habitat "is not presently experiencing major direct human disturbance" and part of it is protected in two national parks.[8]