Pico Espina Violeta
Blue-mantled Thornbill
Chalcostigma stanleyi
Song
Blue-mantled Thornbill
Appearance: The Blue-mantled Thornbill is a small hummingbird, measuring 11.4 cm in length. It has a striking appearance with a metallic blue-green mantle and back. The underparts are generally darker, with a mix of brown and green hues. True to its name, it has a relatively short, straight bill compared to other hummingbirds, which is adapted for feeding on certain types of flowers. The tail is slightly forked and can appear dark with a subtle iridescent sheen.
Habitat: This species is found at high altitudes, ranging from 3,000 to 4,200 m above sea level. It inhabits páramo and high Andean grasslands, often in areas with scattered shrubs and cushion plants. These environments are characterized by cold temperatures and strong winds.
Behavior: The Blue-mantled Thornbill feeds on nectar, using its specialized bill to access flowers that other hummingbirds might not be able to reach. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein. It is capable of rapid and agile flight, often hovering while feeding. Males are known to be territorial, defending feeding areas from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: The breeding season varies depending on the location but occurs during the wet season when food is abundant. Nests are built in sheltered areas, often made from plant fibers and camouflaged with moss. The female lays two small white eggs, which she incubates alone.
Conservation Status: The Blue-mantled Thornbill is listed as Least Concern due to its wide range and stable population numbers.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Blue-mantled Thornbill is found in the high Andes in the departments of Nariño and Putumayo. Some populations may reside within protected areas, which helps mitigate habitat loss and ensures the preservation of their natural environments. The Blue-mantled Thornbill is a resilient species well-adapted to its high-altitude habitats, with a fascinating ecology that contributes to the biodiversity of the Andean region.
Taxonomy
The Blue-mantled Thornbill (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Chalcostigma
- Species: Chalcostigma stanleyi
Vocalization
The Blue-mantled Thornbill is a species of hummingbird found in the Andes in southern Colombia. Vocalizations are high-pitched and include a variety of calls used for communication, territory defense, and mating.
These vocalizations often consist of short, repetitive notes or trills. Specific details about the blue-mantled thornbill's vocal patterns can vary, and recordings of their calls may be necessary for precise identification and study.
Hummingbird vocalizations can be quite complex, and they often incorporate both vocal and mechanical sounds (such as those made by wing or tail feathers).
