Calzoncitos Piernioscuro
Black-thighed Puffleg
Eriocnemis derbyi
Song
Black-thighed Puffleg
Appearance: The Black-thighed Puffleg is a small hummingbird, with an average length of about 10 to 11 cm. It has striking iridescent green plumage on its upperparts and underparts. The most distinguishing feature is its black thighs, which contrast with the white tufts or "puffs" of feathers on its legs, typical of pufflegs. It has a straight, slender bill and dark eyes. The tail is often a darker hue, sometimes with a bluish tint.
Habitat: This species is found in high-altitude cloud forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It usually inhabits elevations between 2,700 and 3,650 meters above sea level.
Behavior: The Black-thighed Puffleg feeds on nectar from various flowers, using its long bill to access deep floral structures. Like most hummingbirds, it exhibits rapid wing beats and remarkable agility in flight, often hovering while feeding.Generally observed alone or in pairs, this species can sometimes be seen defending a feeding territory.
Breeding: The breeding season appears to coincide with the flowering seasons of their primary food sources. Nests are often constructed in dense shrubs or trees. The female is responsible for building the nest, incubating the eggs (usually two), and caring for the young after hatching.
Conservation Status: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Black-thighed Puffleg as Near Threatened.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The species is primarily found in the Central Andean region of Colombia. They have a patchy distribution, often found in the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Cauca. Their range often overlaps with areas of higher elevation, where suitable habitat remains intact.
Taxonomy
The Black-thighed Puffleg (Eriocnemis derbyi)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Eriocnemis
- Species: Eriocnemis derbyi
Vocalization
Type of Calls: The calls are often described as sharp or "tinkling" sounds, which can vary in pitch and tempo. Commonly used during courtship displays, territorial defense, or as communication between individuals. The calls usually have a high-frequency pitch, which can be heard from a distance, especially in their montane habitat.
Calls: The calls of the Black-thighed Puffleg are usually sharp and high-pitched, often described as thin or tinkling. These calls serve various purposes, including:
Territorial Defense: Males use calls to establish and defend their territory.
Communication: Calls are also used for communication between individuals, especially during encounters with other birds or during interactions in pairs.
Songs: The song is often a series of rapid, melodic notes that may vary in pitch and duration. Songs are particularly prominent during the breeding season when males are trying to attract females or display their fitness. There can be variations in songs among different populations or individuals, which may be influenced by geographical factors or personal characteristics of the birds.
The vocalizations of the Black-thighed Puffleg are typically most prominent at dawn and dusk when they are more active and when their calls can carry further in the stillness of the early morning or evening air.
