The Buff-thighed Puffleg (Eriocnemis mosquera) is a species of hummingbird found in the Andes mountains of Colombia and Ecuador. With its distinctive white leg puffs, violet crown, and bright orange bill, the buff-thighed puffleg is one of the most recognizable hummingbirds in South America.
Description
The buff-thighed puffleg is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring around 11-12 cm in length. The male has a mostly emerald green body, with a brilliant violet crown and throat. The female is similar, but has greener plumage on the head and throat. The most distinctive feature of this species is the white leg puffs or “trousers” on the thighs, from which it gets its common name. The thick bill is bright orange on both sexes. The buff-thighed puffleg shows an iridescent gorget (throat feathers) which shifts between violet and teal depending on viewing angle. The tail is forked and steel-blue in color.
Distribution and Habitat
The buff-thighed puffleg is found along the Andes mountains of Colombia and Ecuador. Its range extends from southwestern Colombia to northern Ecuador. It resides at elevations between 1800-4000 meters above sea level.
This species inhabits humid montane forest and elfin forest habitats. It requires cooler high-elevation environments rich in flowering plants. Buff-thighed pufflegs can be found visiting forest clearings, mountain meadows, and streamsides within these mountain forests.
Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the buff-thighed puffleg feeds on nectar from flowering plants. It uses its specialized long bill and tongue to drink nectar while hovering in front of flowers. The species prefers high-energy, tubular flowers typical of cloud forest habitats. Some favorite food plants include the genera Bomarea, Drymonia, Centropogon, and Fuchsia. The buff-thighed puffleg also feeds on small insects, which provide an important source of protein.
Behavior and Breeding
The buff-thighed puffleg, like most hummingbirds, is solitary and territorial. Males establish breeding territories centered around particularly dense or favorable flowering plants. They display their colorful plumage to attract females and aggressively chase other males from their territory. Courtship displays include flying in U-shaped or figure-eight patterns while vocalizing.
Females build a small cup-like nest out of plant fibers, lichen, and moss on a low horizontal branch or tree fern. Two white eggs are laid. The female alone incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks when they hatch after 15-19 days. The chicks fledge at approximately 3 weeks old.
Threats and Conservation
Habitat loss from deforestation poses the greatest threat to the buff-thighed puffleg population. Clear cutting of Andean forests eliminates essential breeding and foraging areas. Climate change may also impact the species by causing upward shifts in elevational range. Introduced species like cattle may degrade sensitive cloud forest understory vegetation.
The buff-thighed puffleg is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, some local populations have declined substantially from previous decades. Conservation efforts focus on protecting intact forest habitat across its elevational range. Ecotourism may help provide an incentive to preserve forests and generate local support for protected areas in Colombia and Ecuador. Promoting shade coffee and cacao farms instead of clear-cut plantations can also benefit puffleg populations. Continued monitoring of population trends is needed to ensure the long-term survival of this unique high-elevation hummingbird.
Significance to Humans and Ecosystems
The buff-thighed puffleg is one of over 140 species of hummingbirds found in South America. Along with other hummingbirds, they play an important ecological role as pollinators for many plant species. Their coevolution with specialized high-elevation flowers makes them integral to the functioning of Andean cloud forest ecosystems.
This striking bird also generates interest for birdwatchers and ecotourists. Hummingbirds are a huge draw for recreational birding in the Neotropics. The puffleg’s range coincides with many protected areas and preserves in Colombia and Ecuador that attract tourists. Local communities can benefit from economic activities related to conservation tourism. The buff-thighed puffleg also holds cultural significance and is featured in indigenous art and folklore in parts of its range.
Overall, the buff-thighed puffleg is a unique high-elevation specialized hummingbird. While not currently threatened, continued habitat protection efforts and monitoring will be needed to safeguard populations. Maintaining intact Andean forests not only benefits the buff-thighed puffleg, but numerous other plants, animals, and human communities. Striking a balance between development and conservation will allow future generations to continue admiring this striking and graceful hummingbird.