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Photo: © Maria Canahua eBird S151984420 Macaulay Library ML610075130
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Pink-throated Brilliant

Heliodoxa gularis
Diamante de Napo
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Song

Pink-throated Brilliant

Appearance: The Pink-throated Brilliant is a striking hummingbird with a beautiful coloring. Males have a vibrant pink throat patch (gorget), which is a key identifying feature. Their plumage is green, with iridescent qualities that can appear to change color depending on the light. Females tend to be less colorful, with a more subdued throat patch and overall less iridescent plumage compared to males.
Habitat: This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It prefers elevations ranging from about 700 to 1100 m. These forests provide the dense vegetation and abundant flowering plants that are essential for feeding and nesting.
Behavior: Pink-throated Brilliants are known for their agile flight and ability to hover while feeding on nectar from flowers. They are insectivorous, catching small insects in flight. These birds are territorial, often defending feeding areas aggressively from other hummingbirds and intruders.
Breeding: The breeding habits of Pink-throated Brilliants are not extensively documented, but like many hummingbirds, they are likely to build small cup-shaped nests in sheltered locations, such as tree branches. The female takes on the responsibility of incubating eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation status: The conservation status of the Pink-throated Brilliant is not well-documented, but it is not considered to be at immediate risk. 
MALE
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Photo: © Carlos Calle Quispe eBird S37305617 Macaulay Library ML 59939721
FEMALE
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Photo : © Illustration by John Cox

Distribution

he Pink-throated Brilliant is found in the Andean southern regions of the country, particularly in Huila, Caquetá, and Putumayo.

Taxonomy

The Pink-throated Brilliant (Heliodoxa gularis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Genus: Heliodoxa
  • Species: Heliodoxa gularis

Vocalization

Chirps and Chips: Short, sharp notes that are often used for communication between individuals, especially during territorial disputes or when attracting a mate.

Trills: Rapidly repeated notes that can sound like a continuous, vibrating sound. These are often used in display flights or during aggressive interactions.

Buzzing and Whirring: Sounds produced by the rapid beating of their wings, which can sometimes accompany vocalizations, especially during courtship displays or when hovering near flowers.
The Pink-throated Brilliant use its vocalizations to establish territory and communicate with potential mates. Observations in their natural habitat would provide the most accurate descriptions of their specific calls and trills.