Cola-de-lira Verde
Green Thorntail
Discosura conversii
Song
Green Thorntail
Appearance: The Green Thorntail is a small hummingbird, measuring about 10 cm (4 in) in length, including its tail. Males have a striking appearance with iridescent green plumage, a white band across the rump, and a long, forked tail with pointed tips that resemble thorns, giving the species its name. Females are less colorful, with more muted green plumage and a shorter tail. Both sexes have a straight, slender bill adapted for feeding on nectar.
Habitat: The Green Thorntail inhabits humid tropical and subtropical forests, including lowland and montane forests. It is often found at forest edges and in clearings. It is found at elevations ranging from sea level to about 1400 m (4593 ft).
Behavior: The Green Thorntail feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It also consumes small insects and spiders to supplement its diet. It is an agile flyer, capable of hovering in place while feeding and performing rapid maneuvers to evade predators or compete with other hummingbirds for resources.
Breeding: The Green Thorntail builds a small cup-shaped nest made of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a thin branch or in a sheltered location. The female lays two small white eggs and is solely responsible for incubation and caring for the chicks.
Conservation Status: The Green Thorntail is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Green Thorntail is found in the western and central regions, including the Chocó department, which is known for its high biodiversity and extensive rainforests. It is also found in western Valle del Cauca and in Antioquia. It is a resident species in these areas, meaning it does not migrate and can be observed year-round. The Green Thorntail is a fascinating example of the rich biodiversity found in Colombia's tropical forests, and efforts to preserve its habitat are crucial for maintaining its population and ecological role.
Taxonomy
The Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Discosura
- Species: Discosura conversii
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Green Thorntail are high-pitched and rapid, consisting of a series of chirps or squeaky notes. These sounds are used for several purposes:
Territorial Defense: Males often use vocalizations to establish and defend their territory from other males. The calls can serve as a warning to intruders and help maintain their feeding areas.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, males may use vocalizations as part of their courtship displays to attract females. These sounds can be combined with visual displays, such as showing off their iridescent plumage.
Communication: Vocalizations are used for communication between individuals, such as signaling the presence of a predator or coordinating movements within a group.
Purpose
The Green Thorntail, like other hummingbirds, has several ecological and biological purposes:
Pollination: As a pollinator, the Green Thorntail plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by transferring pollen from one flower to another while feeding on nectar. This helps in the reproduction of various plant species.
Ecosystem Indicator: Hummingbirds, including the Green Thorntail, can serve as indicators of environmental health. Changes in their populations may reflect changes in the availability of resources or the health of their habitats.
Biodiversity Support: By participating in the pollination of a variety of plants, the Green Thorntail supports biodiversity and the stability of the ecosystem. Vocalizations and behaviors of the Green Thorntail are integral to its survival and the ecological roles it plays in its natural habitat.
