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Photo: © Timo Mitzen eBird S39161841 Macaulay Library ML 249971571
butterfly-coquette

Butterfly Coquette

Lophornis verreauxii
Coqueta Mariposa
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Song

Butterfly Coquette

Appearance: The Butterfly Coquette is a small hummingbird, measuring about 9-10 cm in length. It has a striking appearance, with iridescent green plumage on its upperparts and a white belly. The male has a vibrant pink throat patch that resembles a butterfly, hence its name.
Habitat: The Butterfly Coquette is found in montane forests and cloud forests, at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 m above sea level.
Behavior: This species is known for its agile flight and its ability to hover in front of flowers while feeding on nectar. It is also known to defend its feeding territories aggressively against other hummingbirds.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the Butterfly Coquette are not well documented, but it is believed to build its nest in trees or shrubs using plant fibers and spider silk.
Conservation status: The Butterfly Coquette is now listed as Least Concern on the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Timo Mitzen eBird S39161841 Macaulay Library ML 249971571
FEMALE
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Photo : © Tini & Jacob Wijpkema eBird S40857215 Macaulay Library ML 200620791

Distribution

The Butterfly Coquette is endemic to Colombia, where it is found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in the departments of Amazon, Putumayo, Caquetá, Vaupés, Guaviare, and Guainía.

Taxonomy

The Butterfly Coquette (Lophornis verreauxii)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Genus: Lophornis
  • Species: Lophornis verreauxii

Vocalization

The butterfly coquette is a species of hummingbird known for its distinctive vocalizations, which include high-pitched chirps and trills. These vocalizations are mainly used for communication with other members of their species, such as during courtship displays or territorial disputes. 
The purpose of these vocalizations is to establish and maintain social hierarchies, attract mates, and defend their territory from rivals. Vocalizations of the butterfly coquette play a crucial role in their social interactions and reproductive success.