The Black Inca Hummingbird (Coeligena prunellei) is a medium-sized hummingbird native to the Andes Mountains in South America. With its shiny black plumage and striking white tail-spots, the Black Inca is one of the most distinctive hummingbirds in its range.
Introduction
The Black Inca belongs to the hummingbird family Trochilidae and the subfamily Coeligeninae, commonly known as “inca” hummingbirds due to their restriction to the Andes Mountains. There are approximately 12 recognized subspecies of the Black Inca, with some disagreement among experts on the exact number. This species is closely related to other inca hummingbirds such as the Collared Inca and the Buff-winged Starfrontlet.
The Black Inca inhabits mountain forests and woodlands in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia between elevations of 2000-4800 meters. Its prime habitat is humid montane forest enriched with flowers and flowering shrubs where it can feed. This species is a permanent resident throughout its range, not migrating annually like some hummingbird species.
Identification
The adult male Black Inca is unmistakable with its entirely black plumage except for conspicuous white spotting along the outer tail feathers. The bill is straight and black, and the eyes are brown. The female is similar but has gray undersides rather than being entirely black. Juveniles resemble adult females but with buffy scaling on the throat and breast.
Males measure 10-12 cm in length and females are slightly larger at 11-12.5 cm. Average weight ranges from 5-8 grams. The wingspan is approximately 6.5 cm. When perched, the Black Inca’s extremely short legs are not visible beyond the plumage.
The white tail spots are key identifiers for this species. In flight, the male’s entirely black body contrasts with flashing white corners on the otherwise black tail. Females do not have the entirely black plumage but do have bold white markings on the lateral tail feathers.
Food and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the Black Inca feeds on nectar from flowering plants. It favors brilliantly colored flowers with ample nectar volume, including tropical shrubs and small trees in the families Ericaceae, Gesneriaceae, and Bromeliaceae. When feeding, the hummer hovers in front of the flower and extends its long, specialized tongue into the corolla to lap up nectar.
The Black Inca supplements its diet with small insects and spiders which provide additional protein. Aerial insects are captured during flight, often with a characteristic sally from a perch to swoop at prey. The hummer may also glean insects from foliage while hovering.
Reproduction
The breeding season for the Black Inca corresponds with the rainy season between April and August in its Andean range. Males are polygamous, establishing small territories with flower and insect resources to attract one or more females. Courtship consists of aerial displays where the male flies in u-shaped or circular patterns to impress the female.
Black Inca nests are small, cup-shaped structures built predominately by the female. They are usually placed in a protected spot such as a tree fork or cliff overhang, camouflaged with lichens and bound with spider webs. The female lays two tiny white eggs which she incubates alone for about 16-19 days. The chicks hatch with closed eyes and little to no down. Both parents feed the chicks with regurgitated insects and nectar through the first weeks after hatching. The young leave the nest at 18-26 days old.
Conservation Status
The Black Inca is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Its extensive range covers over 500,000 square kilometers with stable populations in protected habitats. However, there are some concerning regional declines.
The species faces threats from habitat loss due to agriculture, grazing, logging and development. Climate change may also impact Black Inca populations going forward through upward shifts in optimum elevations. Eco-tourism and recreation disturbances are additional concerns in the hummingbird’s specialized high-altitude habitat.
Fun Facts
– The Inca name for this bird is “K’anka Chupacabras” meaning “black hummingbird with a white tail”
– Males perform elaborate dive displays during courtship, plummeting from heights of over 25 meters
– The oxygen-carrying capacity of the Black Inca’s blood allows it to thrive at altitudes above 4000 meters where other birds struggle
– This hummingbird has an extremely fast metabolism and must feed every 10-15 minutes throughout the day to survive
– Male Black Incas are highly territorial and will aggressively chase away intruders, even birds much larger than themselves
– The species is known to take nectar “theft” by piercing flowers at the base rather than entering through the corolla
– Native Andean cultures associate the Black Inca with rebirth due to their observations of the birds bathing in volcanic hot springs
– The Black Inca has specialized shoulder joints that allow it to rotate the wings at the base, enabling swift and precise hovering flight
– Relative to their small body size, Black Incas have the largest testes of any bird species in the world
– The incubation period of Black Inca eggs is the longest of any hummingbird species
– Young Black Incas mimic toxic butterflies and moths, both to avoid predators and benefit from prey assuming they are also toxic
Conclusion
The Black Inca Hummingbird is a fascinating and remarkably adapted species endemic to the tropical Andes. With its shimmering black plumage, specialized feeding behaviors, and spectacular aerial displays, this hummingbird has captivated the interest of ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike. As pressures on its specialized high-mountain habitat continue to mount, conservation efforts will be needed to ensure the continued survival of these unique birds into the future. If protected, the Black Inca will continue to serve as an iconic and cherished resident of its ancestral ranges.