Barbudito Azul
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest
Oxypogon cyanolaemus
Song
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest
Appearance: The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest is a small hummingbird measuring around 12 cm in length. Its plumage is known for its distinctive and ornate appearance. The bird has a prominent crest on its head, giving it the "helmet" part of its name. Males have a striking blue "beard" or gorget, which contrasts with their brownish and green plumage. The rest of the body is mainly brown with some iridescent green patches. Females and juveniles are duller in color and lack the beard.
Habitat: This species is found exclusively in the high Andes of Colombia. It inhabits high-altitude páramo ecosystems, typically between 3,050 and 4,800 m above sea level. The páramo is a unique ecosystem characterized by grasslands, shrubs, and scattered frailejones (Espeletia) plants, which are vital for the bird's survival.
Behavior: Like other hummingbirds, the Blue-bearded Helmetcrest feeds primarily on nectar, often from the flowers of the Espeletia plant, and also consumes small insects for protein. Its fight is known for its agile and rapid flight, typical of hummingbirds, allowing it to hover expertly while feeding.
Breeding: Specific details about its breeding habits are not well-documented, but like other hummingbirds, it is likely to build small cup-shaped nests. Hummingbirds lay one or two eggs, which the female incubates alone.
Conservation Status: The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest is classified as Critically Endangered.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest is a species of hummingbird endemic to Colombia. Its distribution is quite restricted, as it is found only in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an isolated mountain range in northern Colombia. This area is known for its high levels of biodiversity and endemism.
The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest inhabits the páramo ecosystem, which is characterized by high-altitude grasslands and shrublands. It is found at elevations ranging from 3,050 to 4,800 m. The species is adapted to the cold, windy conditions of this high-altitude environment.
Due to its limited range and specialized habitat, the Blue-bearded Helmetcrest is considered Critically Endangered to threats such as habitat destruction and climate change, which can alter the delicate balance of the páramo ecosystem. Conservation efforts are important to protect this unique hummingbird and its habitat.
Taxonomy
The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon cyanolaemus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Oxypogon
- Species: Oxypogon cyanolaemus
Vocalization
The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest is a species of hummingbird endemic to Colombia. Its distribution is quite restricted, as it is found only in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an isolated mountain range in northern Colombia. This area is known for its high levels of biodiversity and endemism.
The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest inhabits the páramo ecosystem, which is characterized by high-altitude grasslands and shrublands. It is found at elevations ranging from 3,050 to 4,800 m. The species is adapted to the cold, windy conditions of this high-altitude environment.
Due to its limited range and specialized habitat, the Blue-bearded Helmetcrest is considered Critically Endangered to threats such as habitat destruction and climate change, which can alter the delicate balance of the páramo ecosystem. Conservation efforts are important to protect this unique hummingbird and its habitat.
