Ángel Nariñense
Gorgeted Sunangel
Heliangelus strophianus
Song
Gorgeted Sunangel
Appearance: The Gorgeted Sunangel is a medium-sized hummingbird, notable for its vibrant and iridescent plumage. Males exhibit a glittering emerald green body with a distinctive, iridescent violet-blue gorget (throat patch). The tail is slightly forked and dark with a metallic sheen. Females are less colorful, with more subdued tones and a less pronounced gorget.
Habitat: This species inhabits montane cloud forests, often found at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2800 m. It prefers areas with dense vegetation, such as forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth, where flowering plants are abundant.
Behavior: Gorgeted Sunangels are highly active and agile fliers, like most hummingbirds. They feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, using their specialized bills to access deep tubular flowers. They also consume small insects and spiders to supplement their diet with protein. These hummingbirds are territorial and often defend feeding areas aggressively from other hummingbirds or nectar-feeding animals.
Breeding: Information on the breeding habits of the Gorgeted Sunangel is somewhat limited. They are likely to build small cup-shaped nests made of plant fibers and other materials, often placed on a branch or in a sheltered location. Females lay two eggs and are responsible for incubating them and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Gorgeted Sunangel is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Gorgeted Sunangel is found along the Andean mountain range, particularly in the departments of Nariño and western Putumayo in Colombia. It occupies suitable cloud forest habitats within this range and is considered fairly common within its preferred altitudinal zones. Efforts to protect Andean cloud forests are crucial for the conservation of the Gorgeted Sunangel and other species that rely on these unique ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Heliangelus
- Species: Heliangelus strophianus
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Gorgeted Sunangel are not as extensively documented as those of some other bird species, but they include a variety of high-pitched, rapid, and often repetitive calls. Vocalizations are used for communication during courtship displays and territorial defense. The calls can be described as sharp chips or trills, which are common among them.
Purpose
Territorial Defense: Gorgeted Sunangels are known to be territorial, especially during the breeding season. They use their vocalizations, along with aerial displays, to defend their feeding territories from other hummingbirds and potential intruders.
Reproduction: During the breeding season, males may use their vocalizations and iridescent plumage to attract females. The striking colors of their gorget (throat patch) can be an important visual signal during courtship.
Survival and Adaptation: The Gorgeted Sunangel is adapted to high-altitude environments in the Andes, where it can be found in cloud forests and along forest edges. Its vocalizations and behaviors are adapted to these specific ecological niches, allowing it to thrive in its natural habitat.
The Gorgeted Sunangel's vocalizations and behaviors serve essential functions related to feeding, reproduction, and survival in its environment.
