Diamante Pechicastaño
Gould's Brilliant
Heliodoxa aurescens
Song
Gould's Brilliant (Gould's Jewelfront)
Appearance: Gould's Brilliant is a medium-sized hummingbird measuring 12.2 cm in length. It is known for its striking plumage, which features iridescent green upperparts and a golden or coppery-bronze patch on its forehead, known as the "jewelfront." The underparts are a mix of green and white, with males often displaying more vibrant colors than females. The bill is straight and short.
Habitat: This species inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, favoring humid lowland and montane forests. It is often found at forest edges and in clearings, where it can access flowering plants more easily. Gould's Brilliant is found in regions with dense vegetation and a rich diversity of flowering plants.
Behavior: Gould's Brilliant is known for its agile flight and ability to hover while feeding on nectar from flowers. It plays a crucial role in pollination, as it transfers pollen between plants. In addition to nectar, it consumes small insects and spiders for protein. This hummingbird is solitary, with individuals maintaining feeding territories that they defend aggressively from intruders.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of Gould's Brilliant is similar to that of other hummingbirds. The female is responsible for building the nes that is a small cup made of plant fibers and spider silk, camouflaged with lichen or moss. The nest is placed on a tree branch. The female lays two white eggs and incubates them alone. After hatching, she cares for the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation status: The Gould's Brilliant is not considered to be at immediate risk. It is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Gould's Brilliant is found mostly in the eastern and southern parts of the country, where suitable forest habitats are available. Its range includes areas such as the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Taxonomy
The Gould's Brilliant (Heliodoxa aurescens)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Heliodoxa
- Species: Heliodoxa aurescens
Vocalization
While specific details about the calls and trills of the Gould's Brilliant might not be extensively documented, they produce a variety of vocalizations that can include chirps, squeaks, and trills.
These sounds are often used for communication, such as establishing territory or attracting mates. The vocalizations can be quite high-pitched and rapid, reflecting the bird's energetic nature. The sound of their wings contribute to the auditory experience, as the rapid wingbeats create a humming noise.
