Colibrí Rubitopacio
Fiery-topaz Hummingbird
Chrysolampis mosquitus
Song
Fiery-topaz Hummingbird
Appearance: The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird is known for its vibrant and iridescent plumage. Males have a fiery red or orange crown and throat, with a metallic green body. The tail is long and forked, often showing shades of purple or bronze. It is a large hummingbird, measuring about 21 cm (8.3 inches) in length, including the tail. Males are more brightly colored than females, who tend to have more subdued green and bronze tones with a less pronounced forked tail.
Habitat: The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird inhabits tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests. It is often found near rivers and streams, as well as in forest edges and clearings.
Behavior: It feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein. Known for its agile and rapid flight, it can hover in place, dart quickly from flower to flower, and exhibit impressive aerial maneuvers. Males are territorial and may aggressively defend feeding areas from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird builds small cup-shaped nests, often on tree branches or shrubs. The nests are constructed from plant fibers and spider silk, camouflaged with lichen and moss. Females lay two white eggs, which she incubates alone. The male does not participate in raising the young.
Conservation Status: The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird is found in the northwestern part of the country and in the intra valleys of the three mountain ranges. In the western region: in the departments of Santander, Arauca, Casanare, Vichada and Boyacá, and Meta. The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird is a remarkable species with its dazzling appearance and specialized ecological niche. Conservation efforts to preserve its natural habitat are essential to ensure its continued presence in the wild.
Taxonomy
The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Chrysolampis
- Species: Chrysolampis mosquitus
Vocalization
Communication: The vocalizations of the Fiery-topaz Hummingbird are high-pitched and rapid, consisting of a series of chirps and whistles. These sounds are used to communicate with other hummingbirds in the context of territorial disputes or courtship.
Territorial Defense: Males are known to be highly territorial, often using vocalizations to assert dominance over a particular area. By vocalizing, they can warn other males to stay away from their feeding and nesting zones.
Courtship: During mating season, males may use specific calls as part of their courtship displays to attract females. These vocalizations can be accompanied by aerial displays and the exhibition of their iridescent plumage.
Purpose
Feeding: The Fiery-topaz Hummingbird feeds primarily on nectar, using its long, specialized bill to access flowers. Its vocalizations can help in establishing feeding territories and in communicating with other hummingbirds about the presence of food sources.
Mating: Vocalizations play a crucial role in attracting mates. The males' calls, along with their colorful plumage and acrobatic flight displays, are designed to capture the attention of females during the breeding season.
Territoriality: Maintaining territory is vital for access to food and mating opportunities. Vocalizations are an essential tool for defending these territories from rivals.
Alerting: Hummingbirds, including the Fiery-topaz use calls to alert others to the presence of predators or other threats. This helps in maintaining the safety of their territory and young. Vocalizations are integral to its survival, playing key roles in feeding, mating, and territorial behaviors.
