Amazilia Frentiazul
Indigo-capped Hummingbird
Amazilia cyanifrons
Song
Indigo-capped Hummingbird
Appearance: The Indigo-capped Hummingbird is a small bird measuring around 9-10 cm in length. It is known for its striking iridescent plumage. The bird features a brilliant indigo-blue crown. The rest of the upperparts are green, while the underparts are whitish or pale gray. The tail is slightly forked and displays a rufous or bronze hue. The bill is straight and black, with a reddish base on the lower mandible.
Habitat This species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests and montane forests. It is also found in secondary forests, forest edges, and gardens. The Indigo-capped Hummingbird is adaptable and can often be seen in areas that have been disturbed or altered by human activity, as long as some natural vegetation remains.
Behavior: Indigo-capped Hummingbirds are known for their agility and speed in flight. They feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, using their long, specialized bills to access the nectar. They also consume small insects and spiders for protein. These hummingbirds are territorial and may aggressively defend feeding areas from other hummingbirds and insect pollinators.
Breeding: The breeding season of the Indigo-capped Hummingbird occurs during the rainy season when food resources are more abundant. The female is responsible for building the nest, which is a small cup made of plant fibers and spider silk, often placed on a horizontal branch. She lays two white eggs and incubates them alone. After hatching, the female also feeds and cares for the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Indigo-capped Hummingbird is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Indigo-capped Hummingbird is endemic to Colombia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its range is in the central and northern parts of the country, including regions such as the Magdalena Valley and the eastern slopes of the central and eastern Andes. It is commonly found at elevations ranging from 500 to 2000 m above sea level, although it may be found at higher altitudes.
Taxonomy
The Indigo-capped Hummingbird (Amazilia cyanifrons)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Amazilia
- Species: Amazilia cyanifrons
Vocalization
Vocalizations and their purposes can vary and they serve several key functions:
Territorial Defense: Male Indigo-capped Hummingbirds may use vocalizations to establish and defend their territory. This is important for securing feeding areas rich in nectar, which is crucial for their high-energy lifestyle.
Mate Attraction: During the breeding season, males may use specific calls or songs to attract females. These vocalizations can be a part of courtship displays, which may also include visual elements like showing off their iridescent feathers.
Communication: Vocalizations can be used for general communication between individuals. This alerts others to the presence of predators or signaling readiness to mate.
Alarm Calls: Like many birds, they may produce alarm calls to warn others of potential threats.
Its vocalization is a series of high-pitched chirps or whistles. These sounds are often rapid and can be difficult to discern by human ears but are effective for communication among these birds.
