Coqueta Crestada
Rufous-crested Coquette
Lophornis delattrei
Song
Rufous-crested Coquette
Appearance: The Rufous-crested Coquette is a tiny hummingbird measuring about 7-8 cm in length. The male is striking with a rufous (reddish-brown) crest and a rufous gorget (throat patch) that contrasts with its green body. The sides of the head and neck are also adorned with rufous tufts. The female lacks the crest and gorget. She is green above and white below, with some rufous on the flanks. Both have iridescent green plumage on their upperparts and a short, straight bill.
Habitat: Rufous-crested Coquettes are found in tropical and subtropical regions. They inhabit the edges of humid forests, secondary growth, and gardens. They prefer areas with abundant flowering plants providing their primary food source: nectar.
Behavior: These hummingbirds feed on nectar, which they obtain from a variety of flowering plants. They also consume small insects and spiders for protein. They are agile fliers, capable of hovering in place while feeding. Males are often territorial, defending feeding areas from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: The breeding season can vary depending on the region that coincides with periods of abundant flowering. Females are responsible for building the nest, incubating the eggs, and raising the young. The nest is a small cup made of plant fibers and spider webs, camouflaged with lichens. They lay two eggs per clutch.
Conservation Status: The Rufous-crested Coquette is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Rufous-crested Coquette is found in the western and central parts of the country, particularly in the Andean region. They are seen at elevations ranging from 500 to 2000 m, although they can be found at higher elevations in some areas. The Rufous-crested Coquette is a captivating bird with unique characteristics, and it plays an important role in the ecosystems it inhabits, particularly in pollination.
Taxonomy
The Rufous-crested Coquette (Lophornis delattrei)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Lophornis
- Species: Lophornis delattrei
Vocalization
The Rufous-crested Coquette is known for its quiet vocalizations compared to other bird species. Their vocalizations consist of high-pitched, thin, and rapid calls.
Sounds that are used for communication between individuals during interactions related to territorial behavior or courtship. It relies more on visual displays than vocalizations for communication.
Purpose
Territorial Defense: Males use vocalizations as part of their strategy to defend feeding territories from other males. These calls serve as warnings or deterrents to potential intruders.
Courtship Display: During the breeding season, vocalizations can be part of the courtship display. Although visual displays are more prominent, sounds can enhance the male's efforts to attract a mate.
Communication: Vocalizations facilitate communication between individuals, especially in dense habitats where visual contact might be limited playing a role in its behavior, their striking appearance and agile movements are more significant in their interactions and communication.
