Inca Negro
Black Inca
Coeligena prunellei
Song
Black Inca
Appearance: Males are characterized by their iridescent black plumage with a metallic greenish sheen. They have a distinctive forked tail, and the throat can have a violet or blue hue. Females are generally less vibrant, with more subdued coloration and a slightly different tail structure.
Habitat: The Black Inca inhabits high-altitude areas, primarily in Andean regions. Found at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,700 meters. It favors cloud forests, shrubby areas, and forests with a good supply of flowering plants, particularly those with tubular flowers which are suited for hummingbirds.
Behavior: The Black Inca primarily feeds on nectar from various flowering plants and is often seen hovering in front of blooms. It plays a crucial role in pollination. Generally solitary or found in pairs; males may exhibit aggressive behaviors during territorial disputes.
Breeding: Nesting typically occurs in dense vegetation. Nests are built with plant fibers and spider silk. The female usually lays 2 eggs. The female alone incubates the eggs, which hatch after about 15-17 days.
Conservation Status: IUCN Classification: Currently listed as Least Concern, but habitat loss poses threats to its populations.
Distribution
Andean Regions: Found in the Andean departments such as Cundinamarca, Boyaca, and Santander.
Taxonomy
The Black Inca (Coeligena prunellei)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Coeligena
- Species: Coeligena prunellei
Vocalization
The Black Inca produces a series of high-pitched chirps and whistles. Vocalizations are important for communication during mating displays and territorial defense, helping to establish dominance over feeding areas and attract mates.
