Calzoncitos Gorgiturquesa
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
Eriocnemis godini
Song
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
Appearance: The Turquoise-throated Puffleg is a striking hummingbird known for its vibrant coloration. Exhibits a brilliant turquoise throat, deep green upperparts, and a white belly. The tail is long and has distinctive white tips on the outer feathers. The plumage can appear iridescent in sunlight, adding to its visual appeal. Generally resembles the male but has a slightly less vibrant throat and may have more muted coloration overall.
Habitat: The Turquoise-throated Puffleg prefers cloud forests, montane forests, and areas with an abundance of flowering plants. They are often associated with areas that have dense undergrowth and relatively high humidity.
Behavior: Feeds on nectar from various flowering plants, particularly those that are tubular in shape. They play a crucial role as pollinators in their ecosystem. Generally solitary or found in small groups. They are highly territorial, especially males during the breeding season, and will defend feeding territories vigorously. Characterized by fast, agile flight, often hovering in front of flowers to access nectar.
Breeding: During the breeding season, males display their vibrant plumage to attract females, engaging in elaborate courtship displays that include aerial maneuvers. Nesting typically occurs in sheltered locations, such as shrubbery or the underside of leaves. The female builds a small, cup-shaped nest from plant materials and spider silk. Clutch size usually consists of two eggs, which are incubated solely by the female for about 14-19 days.
Conservation Status: The Turquoise-throated Puffleg is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The species was historically recorded in the Andean regions of Nariño in the border with Ecuador. There have been no confirmed sightings in recent years, leading to concerns that it may no longer exist in the wild. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and potential rediscovery.
Taxonomy
The Turquoise-throated Puffleg (Eriocnemis godini)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Eriocnemis
- Species: Eriocnemis godini
Vocalization
Information about its vocalizations is limited due to the scarcity of sightings and recordings. It produces a series of high-pitched, rapid calls or chirps. These vocalizations are used for communication such as attracting mates or defending territory.
