The shining sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis) is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Taxonomy and systematics
As of 2022, the shining sunbeam had two recognized subspecies, the nominate A. c. cupripennis and A. c. caumatonota. In the past the species had been subdivided into as many as six subspecies. In addition, what is now the purple-backed sunbeam (A. aliciae) has also been treated as a subspecies of shining sunbeam.
A shining sunbeam showing the iridescent feathers on its back
A shining sunbeam in flight
