Cola-de-lira Tronador
Black-bellied Thorntail
Discosura langsdorffi
Song
Black-bellied Thorntail
Appearance: The Black-bellied Thorntail is a small hummingbird, measuring 10-12 cm in length including its elongated tail. Males have striking iridescent green plumage with a distinctive black belly and a long, thin, forked tail. Females are less colorful with more subdued green upperparts and white underparts speckled with green. The male's tail is particularly notable for its thin, wire-like appearance, which is where the name "thorntail" originates.
Habitat: This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and sometimes in more open woodland areas. It is commonly found at elevations ranging from lowlands up to 400 m.
Behavior: Like other hummingbirds, the Black-bellied Thorntail feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It plays a role in pollination due to its feeding habits. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein. Known for its agile and rapid flight, it can hover in place and maneuver skillfully to access nectar from flowers.
Breeding: Females are responsible for building the nest, which is a small cup-shaped structure made of plant fibers and spider webs, often attached to a thin branch. The female lays two small white eggs and incubates them alone. After hatching, she also feeds and cares for the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Black-bellied Thorntail is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Black-bellied Thorntail is primarily found in the Amazon basin that includes the departments of Caquetá, Guaviare, Vaupés, and Guainía.
Taxonomy
The Black-bellied Thorntail (Discosura langsdorffi)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Discosura
- Species: Discosura langsdorffi
Vocalization
The Black-bellied Thorntail is a small hummingbird found in the Amazon Basin. Like many hummingbirds, it has a variety of vocalizations and behaviors that serve different purposes.
The vocalizations of the Black-bellied Thorntail are high-pitched and can include a series of chirps, whistles, and trills. These sounds are often used for communication between individuals during mating displays or territorial disputes. The specific vocal patterns can vary, but they are sharp and quick.
Purpose
Territorial Defense: Males often use vocalizations to establish and defend their territory from other males. This is crucial as they need to protect their feeding grounds, which consist of flowering plants that provide nectar.
Mating Displays: During the breeding season, males may use vocalizations as part of their courtship displays to attract females. These displays can be quite elaborate and are often accompanied by aerial maneuvers.
Communication: Vocalizations are also used for general communication between individuals, such as signaling alarm or coordinating with others in the vicinity.
Feeding: While not as common, some vocalizations can be associated with feeding behavior, either to signal the presence of food or to ward off competitors. Vocalizations of the Black-bellied Thorntail play a significant role in their daily life, helping them to maintain territories, attract mates, and communicate with other hummingbirds
