Metalura Colirroja
Santa Marta Metaltail
Metallura (tyrianthina) districta
Song
Santa Marta Metaltail (subsp.)
Appearance: The Santa Marta Metaltail is a small hummingbird the metaltail genus. It has iridescent green plumage, which is characteristic of many hummingbirds. The males have more vibrant and metallic plumage compared to females. It has a metallic sheen on its tail feathers, which may appear in shades of blue or green depending on the light.
Habitat: This species is found exclusively in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a coastal mountain range in northern Colombia. It inhabits montane forests and shrublands at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,600 m above sea level. The bird favors areas with dense vegetation, which provide both food sources and protection.
Behavior: The Santa Marta Metaltail feeds on nectar, using its specialized bill to access flowers. It may also consume small insects and spiders for protein. Males are known to be territorial, often defending feeding areas aggressively from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: Information specific to the breeding habits of the Santa Marta Metaltail is limited, but it is likely similar to other hummingbirds, with females building small cup-shaped nests. Hummingbirds lay two eggs per clutch, and the female is responsible for incubation and care of the young.
Conservation Status: The Santa Marta Metaltail is listed as Near Threatened.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Santa Marta Metaltail hummingbird is endemic and specifically confined to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region. Efforts to preserve its habitat are crucial, as the bird does not occur anywhere else in the world. Conservation organizations are working to protect the unique biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Taxonomy
The Name of Bird (Metallura (tyrianthina) districta)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Metallura
- Species: Metallura tyrianthina
- Subspecie: districta
Vocalization
This bird is known for its distinctive vocalizations, which include high-pitched chirps and trills.
The purpose of these vocalizations is likely to communicate with other members of its species, establish territory, and attract mates. The Santa Marta Metaltail uses its vocalizations as a form of communication to navigate its environment and interact with other birds. These sounds also play a role in courtship displays and mating rituals.
