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Photo: © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S17279519 Macaulay Library ML 57330971
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Emerald-bellied Puffleg

Eriocnemis aline
Calzoncitos Diminuto
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Song

Emerald-bellied Puffleg

Appearance: The Emerald-bellied Puffleg is characterized by its vibrant green plumage. The bird's underparts are a shimmering emerald green, while its upperparts are a darker green. One of the most distinctive features of this species is the white, fluffy plumage around its legs, resembling "puffs," which is a common trait among pufflegs. It is a small hummingbird common in the size range for the family Trochilidae.
Habitat: This species is found in montane cloud forests, often at elevations ranging from 1600 to 2800 m.  It favors areas with abundant flowering plants, which provide nectar, their primary food source.
Behavior: The Emerald-bellied Puffleg feeds on nectar, which it obtains by hovering in front of flowers. It may also consume small insects and spiders for protein. It is known for its agile and rapid flight, often seen darting between flowers.
Breeding: The specifics of its breeding behavior are not extensively documented, but like other hummingbirds, it likely builds small, cup-shaped nests. Hummingbirds lay one to two eggs per clutch, and the female is responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Emerald-bellied Puffleg is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S17279519 Macaulay Library ML 57330971
FEMALE
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Photo : © Illustration by Richard Allen.

Distribution

The Emerald-bellied Puffleg is found in the eastern range of Andes, particularly in regions with the right montane forest habitats from the department of Santander to southern Putumayo. 

Taxonomy

The Emerald-bellied Puffleg (Eriocnemis aline)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Genus: Eriocnemis
  • Species: Eriocnemis aline

Vocalization

The Emerald-bellied Puffleg  is a species of hummingbird found in Colombia. Its vocalizations are high-pitched and may include a series of short, sharp notes or chips. These sounds are often used for communication, such as signaling territory or attracting mates.
Detailed descriptions of their specific vocalizations are not as well-documented as those of some other bird species.