The Band-tailed Barbthroat Hummingbird
The band-tailed barbthroat (Threnetes ruckeri) is a species of hummingbird found in tropical regions of South America. With its long decurved bill and vibrant plumage, this unique hummingbird has captivated ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the identification, distribution, habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status of this fascinating bird.
Identification
The band-tailed barbthroat is medium-sized for a hummingbird, measuring 11–12 cm (4.3-4.7 in) in length and weighing 5-7 g (0.18-0.25 oz). Several features help distinguish this species. The male has a velvety black head and throat, with a bright crimson forehead and rusty cinnamon underparts. The female is similar, but has gray underparts rather than cinnamon. The long bill of both sexes is reddish with a black tip and markedly decurved. The tail has a distinctive chestnut band near the tip. Juveniles resemble adult females.
The band-tailed barbthroat is sometimes confused with the related sapphire-vented puffleg. However, the puffleg has white underparts rather than cinnamon or gray. Band-tailed barbthroats also lack the puffy white thigh feathers that give the puffleg its name.
Distribution
The band-tailed barbthroat is found along the eastern Andean slopes and adjacent lowlands in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Its elevational range extends from 400 to 3000 m above sea level. Within this zone, it primarily inhabits subtropical and temperate forest habitats.
Habitat
This species occurs in a variety of forest types, including evergreen montane forest, cloud forest, and foothill and gallery forest. It prefers relatively humid forests with dense understory vegetation. The band-tailed barbthroat is often found near forest edges, clearings, roadsides and streams. It appears tolerant of some habitat disturbance and will visit gardens and agricultural areas near forest.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, the band-tailed barbthroat feeds mainly on nectar from flowers. It uses its specialized long bill to access nectar from curved tubular flowers. Some favorite nectar sources include the endemic Andean genus Psammisia and introduced fuchsias and aloes. The bird also hawks small insects to meet its nutritional needs. It often sallies out to capture insects in midair.
Behavior
The band-tailed barbthroat is territorial and solitary. Males defend flowering territories against intrusion by other hummingbirds. Interestingly, males also appear to maintain feeding territories distinct from breeding territories. When not defending territories, these hummingbirds may associate in small loose flocks at favorable nectar sources. They are active throughout the day, starting before dawn and continuing until after dusk.
Reproduction
The breeding season of the band-tailed barbthroat varies across its range, generally coinciding with peaks in flower and insect availability from February to June. Males perform elaborate courtship flights to impress females. Once paired, the female constructs a small cup nest on a horizontal branch or vine. She builds the nest of soft plant fibers and spider webs, camouflaging the outside with lichens. The female lays just two tiny white eggs. She incubates the eggs alone for 15-19 days until they hatch. The chicks fledge in about 20-26 days. The female cares for the chicks without assistance from the male.
Conservation
Currently, the band-tailed barbthroat is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Its population appears stable, and it has a relatively wide distribution. The remote cloud forests it inhabits face some threats from logging and agriculture, but extensive intact habitat remains. As an insectivorous bird dependent on forest ecosystems, it merits continued monitoring and habitat protection to ensure its populations remain secure. With appropriate conservation measures, this spectacular Andean hummingbird will continue gracing its mountain forests with flashes of crimson and cinnamon.