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Photo: ©

Turquoise-throated Puffleg

Eriocnemis godini
Calzoncitos Gorgiturquesa
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Song

Turquoise-throated Puffleg

Appearance: The Coppery-bellied Puffleg is known for its striking iridescent plumage. It has a shimmering green body with a coppery or bronze-colored belly. This species has tufts of white feathers around its legs, resembling puffs. It is a small hummingbird, with a compact body and a short, straight bill.
Habitat: This species historically inhabited subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These environments provide the necessary floral resources and structural habitat for feeding and nesting. It is found at higher elevations, where cooler temperatures and specific plant communities exist.
Behavior: The Turquoise-throated Puffleg feeds on nectar, using its specialized bill to access flowers. It may also consume small insects for protein. Known for its agile and rapid flight, it can hover in place while feeding, a behavior characteristic of hummingbirds.
Breeding: Information about the specific breeding habits of the Turquoise-throated Puffleg is limited, but hummingbirds build small cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs. Females lay two eggs, and the incubation and care of the young are the responsibility of the female.
Conservation Status: The Turquoise-throated Puffleg is listed as Critically Endangered, and it is feared to be possibly extinct.
MALE
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Photo: © Illustration by Richard Allen.
FEMALE
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Photo : © Illustration by Richard Allen.

Distribution

The species was historically recorded in the Andean regions of Nariño in the border with Ecuador. There have been no confirmed sightings in recent years, leading to concerns that it may no longer exist in the wild. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and potential rediscovery.

Taxonomy

The Turquoise-throated Puffleg (Eriocnemis godini)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Genus: Eriocnemis
  • Species: Eriocnemis godini

Vocalization

Information about its vocalizations is limited due to the scarcity of sightings and recordings. It produces a series of high-pitched, rapid calls or chirps. These vocalizations are used for communication such as attracting mates or defending territory.