Cometa Colivioleta
Violet-tailed Sylph
Aglaiocercus coelestis
Song
Violet-tailed Sylph
Appearance: The male Violet-tailed Sylph is renowned for its vibrant plumage. It features a shimmering green body with a strikingly long, iridescent violet-blue tail. Its head and throat are also a brilliant green, which can appear blueish in certain lights.
The female is less flamboyant, with a shorter tail and more subdued coloration. She has a green back, a white or buffy underbelly with some green spotting, and a shorter, more rounded tail with less iridescence.
Habitat: The Violet-tailed Sylph inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests. It can be found at altitudes from 300 to 2,200 m. They birds prefer the edges of cloud forests and areas with abundant flowering plants, which provide their food source.
Behavior: Like other hummingbirds, the Violet-tailed Sylph feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It uses its long, specialized bill to access deep flowers. It also consumes small insects and spiders to supplement its diet with protein. Known for its agile and acrobatic flight, the Violet-tailed Sylph can hover in place while feeding and is capable of rapid, darting movements.
Breeding: The breeding season for the Violet-tailed Sylph varies depending on the region but occurs during the wet season when food is abundant. Females are responsible for building the nest, which is a small cup made of plant fibers and spider silk, often placed on a branch or in a sheltered spot. The female lays two white eggs and incubates them alone. She also takes sole responsibility for feeding and raising the chicks.
Conservation Status: The Violet-tailed Sylph is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
In Colombia, the Violet-tailed Sylph is found on the western slopes of the western range of the Andes. It is prevalent in the departments of Antioquia, Chocó, Valle del Cauca, and Nariño. The Violet-tailed Sylph is a beautiful and fascinating bird that plays an important role in the ecosystems of the Andean cloud forests as a pollinator for many plant species.
Taxonomy
The Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Aglaiocercus
- Species: Aglaiocercus coelestis
Vocalization
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Violet-tailed Sylph are common of many hummingbirds, consisting of a series of high-pitched, rapid, and often metallic-sounding calls. These vocalizations serve several purposes, including:
Territorial Defense: Males use vocalizations to establish and defend their territories from other males. This is crucial as they compete for access to feeding areas rich in nectar
Communication: Calls are used to communicate with potential mates and other birds. In some cases, vocalizations may also serve to alert others to the presence of predators.
Courtship: During courtship displays, males may use vocalizations in conjunction with physical displays, such as showing off their long tail feathers, to attract females.
Purpose
The Violet-tailed Sylph plays an important ecological role as a pollinator. As they feed on nectar from flowers, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one bloom to another, facilitating plant reproduction. This mutualistic relationship is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of their habitat.
The striking appearance and behaviors of the Violet-tailed Sylph make it a species of interest for birdwatchers and researchers, contributing to ecotourism and scientific understanding of avian ecology and evolution.
