Barbudito Verde
Green-bearded Helmetcrest
Oxypogon guerinii
Song
Green-bearded Helmetcrest
Appearance: The Green-bearded Helmetcrest is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring about 11-12 cm in length. Its plumage is known for its beautiful appearance, featuring a prominent crest on its head. The males have a striking iridescent green "beard" or throat patch, which gives the species its name. The rest of the plumage is brownish with white and black markings, and it has a short, straight bill.
Habitat: This species is endemic to the high-altitude regions of the Eastern Andes. It inhabits páramo ecosystems, which are high-altitude tropical and subtropical grasslands, shrublands, and other open areas above the tree line.
Behavior: Like other hummingbirds, the Green-bearded Helmetcrest feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It is also known to consume insects and spiders for protein. Its flight exhibits the typical rapid and agile flight of hummingbirds, capable of hovering in place as it feeds.
Breeding: The breeding habits of this species are not extensively documented, but like many hummingbirds, it is likely to build small cup-shaped nests made of plant fibers and spider webs. The female is responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Green-bearded Helmetcrest is classified as Least Concern.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Green-bearded Helmetcrest is a species of hummingbird found in the high-altitude regions of the Andes. This bird is associated with páramo ecosystems, which are unique high-altitude grasslands above the continuous forest line but below the permanent snowline. The distribution of the Green-bearded Helmetcrest is restricted to the Eastern Andes of Colombia in Boyacá and Santander where it inhabits open areas with abundant flowering plants that provide nectar.
Taxonomy
The Green-bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii )
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Oxypogon
- Species: Oxypogon guerinii
Vocalization
The Green-bearded Helmetcrest has a range of vocalizations used for communication. These vocalizations are high-pitched and can include a series of short, sharp notes or trills. The calls are often used in territorial disputes, courtship, and signaling between individuals.
While specific recordings or detailed descriptions of the Green-bearded Helmetcrest's calls might not be extensively documented, they are likely similar to those of other hummingbirds, which use their vocalizations to interact with their environment and other birds.
