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Taxonomic note
Previously listed as Amazilia versicolor (del Hoyo and Collar 2014), but moved to current genus following a recent overhaul of all genera by NACC, based on McGuire et al. (2014), Stiles et al. (2017a, b) and others. Sometimes placed in genus Agyrtria. Subspecies rondoniae considered a distinct species in HBW on basis of reported sympatry without interbreeding, but fuller evidence needed. Taxonomic confusion has been caused by occurrence of polymorphism within S parts of range: birds from SE Brazil sometimes divided into two distinct subspecies or even species, a green-throated inland one and a white-throated coastal one, but differences attributable to clinal variation within nominate subspecies, and intermediates exist; coastal birds were listed as brevirostris, but this name is now considered to refer to the species formerly known as C. chionopectus (now C. brevirostris). Distinctive subspecies hollandi sometimes considered a separate species, and millerii and nitidifrons have been suggested as constituting two further species. Validity of subspecies kubtchecki has often been questioned, but it appears separable on basis of morphology; emendation to “kubitscheki” (or others) is unjustified, as dedicatee’s name similarly misspelt in original (Bahr pers. comm. 2014). Subspecies viridiceps of A. franciae sometimes placed in present species, but bill-size disparity incompatible with this arrangement. Six subspecies recognized.

Taxonomic source(s)
Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International. 2022. Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International digital checklist of the birds of the world. Version 7. Available at: https://datazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/Species/Taxonomy/HBW-BirdLife_Checklist_v7_Dec22.zip.

Population justification: The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'fairly common' (Stotz et al. 1996).

Trend justification:

The population trend has not been investigated. Tree cover within the range is lost at a rate of 7% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Apart from forests, the species also occurs in a variety of habitats including edge, open and scrub habitats as well as urban parks and gardens (Weller et al. 2021); consequently, the current rate of tree cover loss may not be affecting the population. Therefore, in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats, the population is suspected to be stable.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Species factsheet: Versicolored Emerald Chrysuronia versicolor. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/versicolored-emerald-chrysuronia-versicolor on 19/01/2025.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2025) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 19/01/2025.