Calzoncitos Colilargo
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
Eriocnemis luciani
Song
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
Appearance: The Sapphire-vented Puffleg is noted for its iridescent blue-green plumage. Its name derives from the bright sapphire-blue patches located on its vent (the area around the tail). This species has puffy white leg feathers which resemble woolly "leggings," a characteristic feature of pufflegs. It is a medium-sized hummingbird measuring around 10 to 12 cm in length.
Habitat: The Sapphire-vented Puffleg is found at high elevations, ranging from 2,500 to 4,200 meters above sea level. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, as well as high-altitude shrubland and páramo ecosystems.
Behavior: The Sapphire-vented Puffleg feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, showing a preference for those with tubular flowers. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein. Known for its agile and rapid flight, it can hover in place, allowing it to feed efficiently from flowers.
Breeding: The Sapphire-vented Puffleg builds small cup-shaped nests, often in sheltered locations such as under overhangs or among dense foliage. Females lay two eggs per clutch and are responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: As of the latest assessments, the Sapphire-vented Puffleg is classified as Least Concern.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Sapphire-vented Puffleg is found in the Andes, particularly in regions with suitable high-altitude habitats in southern Colombia by the border with Ecuador in the department of Nariño. It occupies areas of montane forest and páramo.
Taxonomy
The Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Eriocnemis
- Species: Eriocnemis luciani
Vocalization
The Sapphire-vented Puffleg is a species of hummingbird whose vocalizations are high-pitched and can be described as a series of thin, metallic notes or chips. These sounds are often used for communication between individuals, especially during feeding or territorial disputes.
While specific recordings of the Sapphire-vented Puffleg's calls might vary, they generally consist of rapid sequences of short, sharp notes. Observers might describe these vocalizations as "tinkling" or "chirping." It's important to note that the vocalizations can be quite subtle and might be difficult to distinguish without careful listening, especially in the dense habitats where these birds are often found.
