Diamante Pechigamuza
Fawn-breasted Brilliant
Heliodoxa rubinoides
Song
Fawn-breasted Brilliant
Appearance: The Fawn-breasted Brilliant is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring 12.2 cm in length. It is characterized by its vibrant and iridescent plumage. The male has a glittering green head and back, with a fawn-colored breast. The throat is often a brilliant emerald green. The female is similar but duller, with less iridescence and more muted colors. Both sexes have a slightly curved bill and a white spot behind the eye.
Habitat: This species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is often found at elevations ranging from 1000 to 2600 m. The Fawn-breasted Brilliant prefers the edges of forests, clearings, and areas with abundant flowering plants, which provide nectar.
Behavior: The Fawn-breasted Brilliant is known for its agility and speed, typical of hummingbirds. It feeds on nectar, using its long bill to access flowers. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein. It is territorial and can be aggressive when defending feeding territories or nesting sites. Its flight is characterized by rapid wing beats hovering in place while feeding.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of the Fawn-breasted Brilliant involves the construction of a small cup-shaped nest placed on a horizontal branch. The nest is made from plant fibers and spider webs, camouflaged with moss. The female lays two white eggs, which she incubates alone. After hatching, she also solely feeds the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation satus: The Fawn-breasted Brilliant is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
MALE
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
Distribution
The Fawn-breasted Brilliant is found in the three ranges of the Andes, where suitable montane forest habitats exist. It is relatively widespread in these areas, favoring regions with abundant flowering plants.
Taxonomy
The Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Heliodoxa
- Species: Heliodoxa rubinoides
Vocalization
The Fawn-breasted Brilliant has a variety of calls and vocalizations used for communication. These sounds are high-pitched and can include a series of sharp, metallic chips or whistles.
The wing sounds produced during flight, due to their rapid wing beats, can also be considered part of their acoustic presence. Observing these birds in their natural habitat or listening to recordings from bird sound libraries can provide a better understanding of their specific calls and behaviors.
