Picoespina Dorsimorado
Purple-backed Thornbill
Ramphomicron microrhynchum
Song
Purple-backed Thornbill
Appearance: The Purple-backed Thornbill is a small hummingbird measuring around 8 cm in length. Males have a striking iridescent purple back, which gives the bird its name. Their underparts are dark with a greenish hue. Females tend to have more subdued colors, with greenish backs and lighter underparts. It has a short, straight bill which is relatively thin. The tail is forked and often shows iridescent coloration.
Habitat: This species is found at high elevations, ranging from 1700 to 3400 m above sea level. It inhabits montane forests and shrublands, often favoring areas with abundant flowering plants. The bird is adapted to cold and wet environments of the Andes.
Behavior: The Purple-backed Thornbill feeds on nectar from flowers, often favoring tubular flowers. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein. It is known for its agile and rapid flight, which is common of hummingbirds, allowing it to hover and maneuver easily while feeding. Males are territorial, defending feeding areas aggressively from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: The nest is a small cup made of plant fibers and other materials, often placed on a branch or in a sheltered location. The female is responsible for building the nest and incubating the eggs. Two eggs are laid per clutch. After hatching, the female continues to care for and feed the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Purple-backed Thornbill is classified as Least Concern.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Purple-backed Thornbill is found at elevations ranging from about 1700 to 3400 m above sea level. Its range includes several departments along the Andes, such as:
Cundinamarca: This department hosts a significant portion of the Eastern Andes, where the thornbill can be found.
Boyacá: Known for its high-altitude environments, Boyacá provides ideal conditions for the species.
Santander: The forests and páramos here are part of the thornbill's range.
Nariño: Located in the southern part of Colombia, Nariño's Andean regions are also home to this hummingbird.
Taxonomy
The Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Ramphomicron
- Species: Ramphomicron microrhynchum
Vocalization
Hummingbirds produce a variety of sounds that can include chips, chirps, and trills. These sounds are often used for communication between individuals, particularly during courtship displays or territorial interactions.
The specific vocalizations of the Purple-backed Thornbill are not as well documented as those of some other bird species, but they are likely to include high-pitched, rapid sequences of notes common of hummingbirds. These sounds can be used to establish territory, attract mates, or communicate with other birds.
