Colibrí de Gargantilla
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
Urosticte benjamini
Song
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
Appearance: The Purple-bibbed Whitetip is a small hummingbird, measuring 8.5 to 9 cm in length. Males have a purple patch on their throat (bib) which is iridescent and can appear quite striking in good lighting. Both sexes have a green body. It is named for the white tips on the outer tail feathers, which are more prominent in males. Females lack the purple bib and have a more muted coloration, with a greenish throat and a white belly.
Habitat: This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. They are often seen at elevations between 700 to 2200 m preferring the understory and edges of forests.
Behavior: The Purple-bibbed Whitetip feeds on nectar, which it gathers from a variety of flowering plants. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein. They are agile flyers, capable of hovering and rapid, darting movements, which are common behaviors while feeding.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the Purple-bibbed Whitetip are not too documented, but they build small cup-shaped nests. Females are solely responsible for incubation and rearing of the young.
Conservation Status: The Purple-bibbed Whitetip is listed as Least Concern.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Purple-bibbed Whitetip is found in the Western range of the Andean region. From Antioquia down to the border to Ecuador.
Taxonomy
The Purple-bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Urosticte
- Species: Urosticte benjamini
Vocalization
Calls: These are often short, sharp, and high-pitched notes. They can be used for alerting other birds to their presence, signaling alarm, or communicating with mates.
Trills: These are more continuous and can be a series of rapid notes that create a musical or mechanical sound. Trills are often used in courtship displays or territorial disputes.
