Cometa Colinegro
Black-tailed Trainbearer
Lesbia victoriae
Song
Black-tailed Trainbearer
Appearance: The Black-tailed Trainbearer is a medium-sized hummingbird, noted for its elongated tail, which can be quite long in males. Males have iridescent green plumage with a strikingly long, black tail. Females are less colorful, with shorter tails and muted colors with some white or gray on the underparts. They possess a straight, slender bill, adapted for feeding on nectar.
Habitat: This species is found in high-altitude regions, including montane and cloud forests, as well as shrublands and gardens. They are commonly found at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 m above sea level.
Behavior: Black-tailed Trainbearers feed on nectar that they obtain using their specialized bills. They also consume small insects and spiders to supplement their diet. They are agile fliers, capable of hovering in place while feeding from flowers.
Breeding: Females are responsible for building the nest, which is a small cup made of plant fibers and spider webs, often located on a branch or in a sheltered spot. The female lays two white eggs and incubates them alone. After hatching, she also feeds and cares for the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Black-tailed Trainbearer is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
In Colombia, the Black-tailed Trainbearer is found in the Andes along the central and eastern mountain ranges. Particularly, in the departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Santander. It has also been reported in the border of Putumayo and Nariño. This species is considered to be fairly common within its range, although specific population numbers are not well-documented.
Taxonomy
The Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Lesbia
- Species: Lesbia victoriae
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Black-tailed Trainbearer consist of a series of high-pitched, rapid, and metallic-sounding notes. These calls can include a variety of chirps, twitters, and trills. They use vocalizations for communication, which can include signaling territory, attracting mates, or expressing distress.
Purpose
The Black-tailed Trainbearer's vocalizations are similar to those of other hummingbirds:
Territorial Defense: Male Black-tailed Trainbearers use vocalizations to defend their territory from intruders. This is crucial as they rely on specific areas rich in nectar-producing flowers.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, males may use vocalizations as part of their courtship display to attract females. These sounds can be accompanied by visual displays, such as showing off their long tail feathers.
Communication: Vocalizations also serve as a means of communication between individuals, whether it's between mates or between adults and their young.
Alarm Calls: They may produce specific calls to alert others of potential threats or predators in the area.
Vocalizations of the Black-tailed Trainbearer play an essential role in their daily life, helping them to interact with their environment and other birds effectively.
