Coqueta Coronada
Spangled Coquette
Lophornis stictolophus
Song
Spangled Coquette
Appearance: The Spangled Coquette is a tiny hummingbird, measuring 7 cm in length. Males are striking, with an iridescent green body, a rufous crest, and a spangled appearance due to the white spots on the throat and chest. Females are less colorful, with a more subdued green plumage and a white throat. Both sexes have a short, straight bill that is well-suited for feeding on nectar.
Habitat: The Spangled Coquette inhabits tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in lowland and foothill forests. It is often found in areas with a rich diversity of flowering plants, such as forest edges, gardens, and secondary growth.
Behavior: Like other hummingbirds, the Spangled Coquette feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, using its specialized bill and tongue. It also consumes small insects for protein. It is known for its agile and rapid flight, often hovering in front of flowers while feeding. Males are territorial and may aggressively defend feeding areas from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: Specific details about the breeding habits of the Spangled Coquette are not well-documented, but like many hummingbirds, it likely builds a small cup-shaped nest made of plant fibers and spider webs. The female is responsible for incubating the eggs and raising the young.
Conservation Status: The Spangled Coquette is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Spangled Coquette is found in suitable habitats on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the departments of Tolima, Huila, Casanare, and Meta. The Spangled Coquette is a fascinating and beautiful species that contributes to the biodiversity of Colombia's avian fauna.
Taxonomy
The Spangled Coquette (Lophornis stictolophus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Lophornis
- Species: Lophornis stictolophus
Vocalization
The Spangled Coquette is a small, strikingly beautiful hummingbird. It is known for its vibrant plumage and energetic behavior.
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Spangled Coquette are high-pitched and include a variety of sounds such as chirps, whistles, and trills that are used for communication between individuals during mating displays or territorial disputes. Hummingbirds are not known for complex songs like some other bird species, but their calls can be quite distinctive and are an important aspect of their behavior.
Purpose
Mating Displays: The Spangled Coquette, like other coquettes, uses its vocalizations and striking plumage during courtship displays to attract mates. Males often perform elaborate aerial displays, showing off their iridescent feathers and unique head crests to impress females.
Territoriality: Hummingbirds, including the Spangled Coquette, are known for being territorial around feeding areas. Vocalizations play a role in defending these territories from intruders. The sounds they make can serve as warnings to other birds to stay away from their feeding grounds.
Communication: Beyond courtship and territorial defense, vocalizations are also used for general communication between individuals. This can include signaling the presence of predators or coordinating movements with a mate or offspring.
Vocalizations and behaviors of the Spangled Coquette are integral to its survival and reproductive success, helping it to communicate, find mates, and defend valuable resources.
