Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Status LC
Habitat destruction through increasing conversion for cattle ranching is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Hyacinth Visorbearer (Augastes scutatus) [XC721942]
by Nick Athanas from Parque Nacional da Serra do Cip\u00f3, Minas Gerais State\t, Brazil (song)
Hyacinth Visorbearer (Augastes scutatus) [XC84925]
by GABRIEL LEITE from Parque Nacional da Serra do Cip\u00f3, Minas Gerais State, Brazil (song)
Subspecies
Affinities of genus unknown. Song and nest pattern indicate relationship with Colibri. Subspecies soaresi is sometimes considered intermediate between nominate and ilseae.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
scutatus (Temminck, 1822) - High altitudes in mountainous parts of central and eastern Minas Gerais (east-central Brazil).
ilseae Grantsau, 1967 - Moderate altitudes in mountainous parts of central and eastern Minas Gerais (east-central Brazil).
soaresi Ruschi, 1963 - R Paricicaba basin in south-central Minas Gerais (east-central Brazil).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet