Colibrí Piquipunzón
Fiery-tailed Awlbill
Avocettula recurvirostris
Song
Fiery-tailed Awlbill
Appearance: The Fiery-tailed Awlbill is a small hummingbird measuring 7.6 cm in length. It has iridescent green plumage on the upper parts, with a notable fiery red or orange tail that gives the bird its name. The species is characterized by its slightly upturned bill, which is short compared to other hummingbirds.m Males and females are similar in appearance, although females may be slightly duller in color.
Habitat: Fiery-tailed Awlbills are found in lowland and foothill forests, including humid tropical and subtropical areas. They are usually seen at elevations ranging from sea level up to about 300 m.
Behavior: Fiery-tailed Awlbills feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They are also known to consume small insects and spiders for protein. They are agile fliers, capable of hovering in place to feed from flowers. Males are territorial and may aggressively defend feeding areas from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of the Fiery-tailed Awlbill is not extensively documented, but like many hummingbirds, they build small cup-shaped nests. Females are responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Fiery-tailed Awlbill is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red Book.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Fiery-tailed Awlbill is found in the eastern parts of the country by the Orinoco River in east Vichada and Guajira departments. It has been observed in Putumayo, too. They are not considered abundant but can be locally common in areas with appropriate environmental conditions.
Taxonomy
The Fiery-tailed Awlbill (Avocettula recurvirostris)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Avocettula
- Species: Avocettula recurvirostris
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Fiery-tailed Awlbill, like many hummingbirds, are characterized by high-pitched and rapid calls. These sounds can include a series of chips, trills, or whistles. The exact nature of their calls can vary, but they typically serve several key purposes:
Territorial Defense: Hummingbirds are known for being highly territorial, especially around feeding areas. The Fiery-tailed Awlbill uses vocalizations to assert dominance and warn other birds to stay away from its territory.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, vocalizations play a role in attracting mates. Males may use specific calls to display their presence and health to potential female mates.
Communication: Vocalizations can also be used for general communication between individuals, whether it's signaling danger, coordinating with a mate, or other social interactions.
Purpose
The Fiery-tailed Awlbill, like other hummingbirds, plays an important role in its ecosystem:
Pollination: As a nectar feeder, the Fiery-tailed Awlbill is a critical pollinator for many flowering plants. While feeding on nectar, pollen sticks to the bird's body and is transferred from flower to flower, aiding in plant reproduction.
Ecosystem Balance: By feeding on insects as well as nectar, the Fiery-tailed Awlbill helps control insect populations, contributing to ecological balance.
Biodiversity Indicator: The presence and health of hummingbird populations of the Fiery-tailed Awlbill are indicators of environmental health and biodiversity in their habitats. The Fiery-tailed Awlbill is an integral part of its ecosystem with its vocalizations playing crucial roles in its survival and interaction within its environment.
