Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella) [XC40354]
by Alexandre Renaudier from Vivenda F\u00eannix, Ramal do Urubu\u00ed, Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas, Brazil (song)
Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella) [XC14898]
by Robson Silva e Silva from Pousada Rio Azul, PA, Brazil (call, song? calls)
Subspecies
Genus probably related to Eulampis and Anthracothorax, on basis of form of nest and display; has traditionally been placed close to Oreotrochilus. Subspecies pyra often considered a separate species, but size and colour patterns indicate geographical variation only at subspecies level; some individuals of nominate subspecies show glittering orange belly, thus resembling pyra.
Subspecies smaragdula has been proposed for birds of French Guiana, but not separable from nominate.
The following 5 subspecies are recognised:
pyra (Linnaeus, 1758) - Western Amazonia. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Fiery Topaz (Topaza pyra).
pamprepta Oberholser, 1902 - Eastern Ecuador (Suno, R Napo). Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Fiery Topaz (Topaza pyra).
pella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Southern Venezuela (eastern Bolívar) and the Guianas to northern Brazil (Amapá).
microrhyncha Butler, AL, 1926 - North-central Brazil, along southern bank of lower Amazon in vicinity of Belém.
smaragdulus (Bosc, 1792) - French Guiana, north-eastern Brazil (northern of the Amazon).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet