Colibrí Llanero
White-tailed Goldenthroat
Polytmus guainumbi
Song
White-tailed Goldenthroat
Appearance: The White-tailed Goldenthroat is a medium-sized hummingbird. It has a distinctive metallic green plumage on its upperparts. The underparts are lighter, with a whitish or buffy color. As its name suggests, it has a white-tipped tail, which is a key feature for identification. The species has a relatively long, slightly curved bill, adapted for feeding on nectar.
Habitat: This hummingbird is often found in open and semi-open areas, such as savannas, grasslands, and forest edges. It can also be seen in gardens and plantations. It is found at low to mid-elevations, but the specific range can vary based on local geography.
Behavior: The White-tailed Goldenthroat feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It uses its long bill to access flowers. It may also consume small insects and spiders for protein. Like other hummingbirds, it is an agile flyer, capable of hovering in place while feeding.
Breeding: The species builds a small cup-shaped nest placed on a low branch or shrub. Details about its breeding season and clutch size may vary, but hummingbirds lay one to two eggs per brood.
Conservation Status: The White-tailed Goldenthroat is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
the White-tailed Goldenthroat is found in suitable habitats across the eastern regions, including areas near the Orinoco River basin. Found In Santander, Arauca, Casanare, Boyacá and Meta. It is considered relatively common in its preferred habitats within the country.
Taxonomy
The White-tailed Goldenthroat (Latin name)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Latin
- Species: Latin name
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the White-tailed Goldenthroat are not as extensively documented as those of some other hummingbird species. Hummingbirds produce a range of sounds, including chips, chirps, and trills.
These sounds can vary in pitch and rhythm and are often used for communication, such as attracting mates or defending territory. Its specific vocal patterns include a series of high-pitched calls.
Purpose
The primary purposes of vocalizations in the White-tailed Goldenthroat, as with other hummingbirds, include:
Territorial Defense:
Hummingbirds are known for being territorial, especially around feeding areas. Vocalizations can serve as warnings to other birds to stay away from their claimed territory.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, vocalizations can play a role in attracting potential mates. Males might use specific calls to court females.
Communication: Vocalizations can also be used for general communication between individuals, such as signaling distress or coordinating with mates during nesting.
In addition to vocalizations, the White-tailed Goldenthroat, like other hummingbirds, uses visual displays and rapid flight maneuvers as key components of its communication and interaction with other birds.
