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Photo: © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S23459163 Macaulay Library ML 56801731
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Rufous-vented Whitetip

Urosticte ruficrissa
Colibrí Colirrufo
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Song

Rufous-vented Whitetip

Appearance: The Rufous-vented Whitetip is a small hummingbird measuring 9 to 10 cm in length. Males are characterized by their striking iridescent green plumage with a white tip on their tails. The vent area is rufous, providing a contrast to the green body. Females are less vibrant, with more muted colors and less pronounced tail markings. They have a straight, slender bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Habitat: This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It tends to inhabit the understory and edges of forests. They are found at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2400 m above sea level.
Behavior: Rufous-vented Whitetips feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They play a role in pollination due to their feeding habits. They consume small insects and spiders to supplement their diet. They are capable of rapid and agile flight, often hovering in place while feeding.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of Rufous-vented Whitetips is not extensively documented, but like many hummingbirds, they build small cup-shaped nests. Females lay two white eggs, which they incubate alone. The specifics of their breeding season can vary based on local environmental conditions.
Conservation status: As of the latest assessments, the Rufous-vented Whitetip is classified as Least Concern.
MALE
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Photo: © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S23459163 Macaulay Library ML 56801731
FEMALE
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Photo : © Mario Suarez rodriguez eBird S46026302 Macaulay Library ML 101992971

Distribution

The Rufous-vented Whitetip is found in the eastern and central ranges of the Andes. They are part of the diverse avian community in Colombia's montane forest regions.

Taxonomy

The Rufous-vented Whitetip (Urosticte ruficrissa)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Genus: Urosticte
  • Species: Urosticte ruficrissa

Vocalization

Detailed descriptions of its specific calls and trills are not as widely documented. Hummingbirds produce a variety of sounds that can include chips, chirps, and trills, often used for communication, such as attracting mates or defending territory. The Rufous-vented Whitetip uses similar sounds, but recordings or detailed studies of its vocalizations might be necessary for precise descriptions.