Longuemare's Sunangel (Heliangelus clarisse) [XC117783]
by David Edwards from Villa de Leyva, Boyac\u00e1, Colombia (song)
Longuemare's Sunangel (Heliangelus clarisse) [XC520235]
by Oscar Laverde from Gachantiv\u00e1, Boyac\u00e1, Colombia (song)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis), with which formerly considered conspecific. However, subtle morphological differences and markedly disjunct range support their treatment as separate species. Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus) may also belong in this superspecies. Subspecies spencei sometimes considered a distinct species, most typically when remaining subspecies of present species are lumped into Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis). One case of hybridization has been recorded with Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri). Form "dubius", known only from two trade skins, may be a melanistic form.
Proposed subspecies verdiscutatus (Paramo de Tama) included within nominate, though possibly closer in plumage to violiceps.
Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis).
The following 4 subspecies are recognised:
violiceps Phelps & Phelps Jr, 1953 - Sierra de Perijá, along Colombia-Venezuela border. Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis).
spencei (Bourcier, 1847) - Mérida (north-western Venezuela). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Merida Sunangel (Heliangelus spencei).
clarisse (Longuemare, 1841) - Eastern Andes of Colombia (Norte de Santander to Cundinamarca) and adjacent western Venezuela. Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis).
verdiscutus Phelps & Phelps Jr, 1955 - Tamá region of north-eastern Colombia and north-western Venezuela.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet