Calzoncitos del Pacífico
Hoary Puffleg
Haplophaedia lugens
Song
Hoary Puffleg
Appearance: The Hoary Puffleg is a small hummingbird, characterized by its coloration and features: It has a dark green body with a slightly bronzy sheen. The underparts are lighter, often appearing grayish or whitish. True to its name, the Hoary Puffleg has white tufts or "puffs" of feathers around its legs, which are a key identifying feature. The tail is relatively short and may have a mix of green and white feathers. It has a straight, slender bill adapted for feeding on nectar.
Habitat: The Hoary Puffleg inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is found at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2000 m above sea level. These birds prefer dense, humid forests and are located in the understory or at mid-levels of the forest.
Behavior: Like other hummingbirds, the Hoary Puffleg feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It may also consume small insects and spiders for protein. It is capable of rapid and agile flight, which is of hummingbirds, allowing it to hover in place while feeding. Males are known to be territorial, often defending feeding areas from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: Specific details about the breeding behavior of the Hoary Puffleg are not well-documented. They have a breeding season that coincides with the availability of food resources. Females are responsible for building the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the chicks.
Conservation Status: The Hoary Puffleg is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Hoary Puffleg is found in the Andean region, where proper montane forest habitats exist. Its distribution covers the southern departments of Nariño and Putumayo within the Andes.
Taxonomy
The Hoary Puffleg (Haplophaedia lugens)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Haplophaedia
- Species: Haplophaedia lugens
Vocalization
While there is limited detailed information specifically about the vocalizations of the Hoary Puffleg, hummingbirds in general are known for a variety of sounds including chips, trills, and other calls used for communication.
These sounds can serve various purposes such as defending territory, attracting mates, or signaling distress.
