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Photo: © Dušan Brinkhuizen eBird S139960362 Macaulay Library ML 579470891
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Mountain Avocetbill

Opisthoprora euryptera
Piquilezna Montañero
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Song

Mountain Avocetbill

Appearance: The Mountain Avocetbill is a small hummingbird, measuring around 10 to 11 cm in length. It has a distinctive upturned bill, which is kind of short and broad compared to other hummingbirds. The plumage is green, with a metallic sheen. The underparts are paler, sometimes with a slight buffy or whitish tint. The tail is relatively short and slightly forked.
Habitat: This species is found at high altitudes, ranging from 2,400 to 3,600 m above sea level. It inhabits montane forests, cloud forests, and edges of páramo (high-altitude grasslands). Prefers areas with abundant flowering plants, which provide nectar, its primary food source.
Behavior: The Mountain Avocetbill feeds mainly on nectar, using its specialized bill to access flowers. It may also consume 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 habits of the Mountain Avocetbill are not well-documented, but like many hummingbirds, it likely builds a small cup-shaped nest. Female hummingbirds lay two eggs, which she incubates alone.
Conservation Status:  The Avocetbill is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Distribution

 In Colombia, the Mountain Avocetbill is found along the Andes in regions with proper high-altitude habitats in the central range of the Andes. The Mountain Avocetbill is an interesting species adapted to the high-altitude regions of the Central Andes.

Taxonomy

The Mountain Avocetbill (Opisthoprora euryptera)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Genus: Opisthoprora
  • Species: Opisthoprora euryptera

Vocalization

Vocalizations
Communication: The Mountain Avocetbill likely uses vocalizations to communicate with others, during the breeding season. These sounds include a series of sharp chips or trills used to establish territory or attract mates.
Territorial Defense: Hummingbirds are known for being territorial, and vocalizations play a crucial role in defending their feeding territories from intruders. The Mountain Avocetbill may produce specific calls to warn off other hummingbirds or potential threats.

Mating Rituals: During courtship, males often use vocalizations as part of their display to attract females. These sounds can be accompanied by visual displays such as aerial maneuvers or showing off their iridescent plumage.
Purpose
The primary purposes of the vocalizations and behaviors of the Mountain Avocetbill, as with many hummingbirds, include:

Territoriality: Ensuring they have access to sufficient food resources by defending their territory from other hummingbirds.
Reproduction: Attracting mates and successfully breeding.

Communication: Interacting with other individuals, whether for social reasons or to warn of predators or intruders.

Vocalizations of the Mountain Avocetbill are essential for their survival and reproductive success in their natural habitat.