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Photo: © Amy Simmons eBird S32685880 Macaulay Library ML 42480151
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Purple Honeycreeper

Cyanerpes caeruleus
Mielero Cerúleo
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Song

Purple Honeycreeper

Appearance: The male Purple Honeycreeper is a striking bird with bright purple-blue plumage, a black mask around its eyes, and a yellow belly. The female is less brightly colored, with olive-green plumage and a yellow belly.
Habitat: Purple Honeycreepers are found in the canopy of humid forests, as well as in forest edges and plantations. They are often seen in small groups or pairs.
Behavior: These birds are known for their acrobatic feeding behavior, using their slender, curved bills to extract nectar from flowers. They also feed on insects and fruits.
Breeding: Purple Honeycreepers build cup-shaped nests in trees, usually near the canopy. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Both parents take turns feeding and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Purple Honeycreeper is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Amy Simmons eBird S32685880 Macaulay Library ML 42480151
FEMALE
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Photo: © Kendra Kocab eBird S16402364 Macaulay Library ML 46723391

Distribution

The Purple Honeycreeper The Purple Honeycreeper can be found in various regions throughout the country where a good habitat is present. Some of the regions where the Purple Honeycreeper may be found in the Amazon rainforest, the Andean region, the Chocó biogeographic region, all southern regions, and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. These birds prefer dense vegetation and forested areas with a variety of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs for feeding.

Taxonomy

The Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Cyanerpes
  • Species: Cyanerpes caeruleus

Vocalization

The vocalization of the Purple Honeycreeper is a series of high-pitched, melodious whistles and trills. The male's song is often described as a sweet, flute-like melody, while the female's call is a softer, more subdued version of the male's song. The birds use their vocalizations to communicate with each other, establish territory, and attract mates.