Zamarrito del Pinche
Gorgeted Puffleg
Eriocnemis isabellae
Song
Gorgeted Puffleg
Appearance: The Gorgeted Puffleg has a striking, iridescent green gorget (throat patch). Dark, metallic green upperparts. White downy leg puffs which are conspicuous and contribute to its common name. Males have a brighter and more colorful plumage than females.
Habitat: The Gorgeted Puffleg is endemic to Colombia. It inhabits cloud forests at altitudes ranging from 2600 to 3200 m. Prefers dense, shrub-laden regions within forests, often near slopes or ravines which provide ample food sources and nesting sites.
Behavior: Primarily nectarivorous, feeding on various flowering plants. They are important pollinators within their ecosystem. They may also consume small insects for protein. Males are territorial, often defending feeding sites aggressively from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: Females are responsible for constructing the nest, which is cup-shaped and made from plant fibers and spider webs. They lay 2 eggs per clutch.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
Serranía del Pinche: This is a mountainous region in the Western Andes specifically within the Cauca Department. The Gorgeted Puffleg's distribution is tightly confined to the cloud forest environment of this particular mountain range, making it highly susceptible to habitat changes and loss.
Taxonomy
The Gorgeted Puffleg (Eriocnemis isabellae )
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Eriocnemis
- Species: Eriocnemis isabellae
Vocalization
Chirp Calls: Short, high-pitched chirps or chips. These are likely used for communication between individuals.
Trills: Rapid sequences of notes, which may serve in territorial defense or during courtship displays.
Buzzing: Created by their wings during flight, which can also be considered a form of acoustic signaling.
Territorial Defense: Males often use vocalizations to assert their presence and defend their feeding territory from other hummingbirds. Aggressive calls can help deter potential competitors from entering their territory.
Mating and Courtship: Vocalizations may play a role in attracting females, signaling the male’s presence and fitness. Calls may accompany physical displays to impress potential mates.
Parent-Offspring Interaction: Soft calls may be used by parents to communicate with their chicks. Vocalizations can alert others to the presence of predators or other threats.
