red-legged-honeycreeper-1600
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S123801468 Macaulay Library ML 513864281
red-legged-honeycreeper-head

Red-legged Honeycreeper

Cyanerpes cyaneus
Spanish Name
map-colombia-red-legged-honeycreeper
bird-song-square

Song

Red-legged Honeycreeper

Appearance: The Red-legged Honeycreeper has a striking appearance with bright blue plumage on its head, back, and wings, contrasting with a black face and throat. It has red legs and a long, curved bill. The female is less colorful, with greenish-blue plumage and a paler bill.
Habitat: These birds inhabit the canopy of tropical forests, where they feed on nectar, fruit, and insects. They are often found in the lower to middle levels of the forest, and can also be seen in gardens and plantations.
Behavior: Red-legged Honeycreepers are highly social birds and are often seen in small groups or mixed-species flocks. They are agile and acrobatic, moving quickly through the canopy in search of food. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a high-pitched "tsip."
Breeding: During the breeding season, male Red-legged Honeycreepers perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, where the female lays 2-3 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation status: The Red-legged Honeycreeper is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN.
MALE
red-legged-honeycreeper-800
Photo: © Andres Vasquez Noboa eBird S123801468 Macaulay Library ML 513864281
FEMALE
female-red-legged-honeycreeper-800
Photo : © Doug Beach eBird S53464731 Macaulay Library ML 145496401

Distribution

The Red-legged Honeycreeper is found in the tropical forests and woodlands This species is found in various regions including the Andean region, the Amazon rainforest, the Caribbean coast, and the Pacific coast. They inhabit in areas with dense vegetation and abundant fruit-bearing trees.

Taxonomy

The Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Cyanerpes
  • Species: Cyanerpes cyaneus

Vocalization

The vocalization of the Red-legged Honeycreeper is a series of high-pitched, melodious notes that are often described as sweet and flute-like. The birds use these vocalizations to communicate with each other and establish their territory.