Picoespina Arcoiris
Rainbow-bearded Thorntail
Chalcostigma herrani
Song
Rainbow-bearded Thorntail
Appearance: The Rainbow-bearded Thorntail is a small hummingbird measuring 11 cm in length, including its tail. Males are eye-catching, with iridescent green bodies and a spectacular, rainbow-colored "beard" or gorget that shimmers with hues of blue, green, and purple. The tail is long and forked, with elongated central feathers. Females are less colorful, with more green plumage and a shorter tail. Females lack the vibrant gorget of the males.
Habitat: This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and foothill regions. They favor forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth areas where flowering plants are abundant.
Behavior: The Rainbow-bearded Thorntail feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It uses its specialized bill to access nectar while also playing a role in pollination. They may also consume small insects for protein. They are agile fliers, capable of rapid and precise movements, which are essential for feeding and avoiding predators.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the Rainbow-bearded Thorntail are not well-documented, but they build small cup-shaped nests made from plant fibers and spider webs, often placed on a branch in a concealed location. Females lay two eggs, which they incubate alone. The specifics of their breeding season can vary based on regional climate conditions.
Conservation Status: The Rainbow-bearded Thorntail is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red Book.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Rainbow-bearded Thorntail is found in the western Andean regions in the departments of Valle del Cauca, Caldas,Tolima, Huila, Nariño, and Putumayo where their proper habitats are adopted.
Taxonomy
The Rainbow-bearded Thorntail (Chalcostigma herrani)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Chalcostigma
- Species: Chalcostigma herrani
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Rainbow-bearded Thorntail are co mmon in hummingbirds consisting of a series of high-pitched tweets, chirps, and trills. Sounds used mainly for communication and play a role in various behaviors such as:
Territorial Defense: Males often use their vocalizations to establish and defend their territory from other males. The sounds can serve as warnings to intruders and help maintain the male's control over a specific area rich in food resources.
Mating: Vocalizations can also be part of courtship displays. Males use their calls to attract females or to communicate with them during the mating process.
Alerting: Hummingbirds, including the Rainbow-bearded Thorntail use vocalizations to alert others of potential threats or predators in the area.
Purpose
Attraction of Mates: The iridescent throat feathers are important during mating displays. Males often perform elaborate aerial displays, flashing their colorful plumage to attract females.
Camouflage and Communication: The iridescence can also help in blending with the natural environment, depending on the angle of light. It serves as a means of communication with other birds, signaling health and vitality.
Territorial Displays: The bright colors can be used to assert dominance over a territory, making the bird more visible and intimidating to potential rivals.
Vocalizations and plumage play crucial roles in the survival and reproductive success of the rainbow-bearded thorntail, facilitating communication, mating, and territorial behaviors.
