The collared inca (Coeligena torquata) is a species of hummingbird found in South America. With its bright iridescent colors and unique collar-like neck band, it is one of the most recognizable hummingbird species. There are four recognized subspecies of the collared inca, each occupying a different geographic range within the Andes Mountains.
Description
The collared inca is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring 11-12 centimeters in length and weighing 5-8 grams. The male has vibrant, iridescent plumage in shades of emerald green, blue, and violet on the head, back, chest, and tail. The female is slightly duller, with more gray-green plumage. The most distinctive feature of this species is the white collar-like band around the neck in males, varying in thickness between subspecies. Females may have some speckling on the throat but lack the full white collar. The long bill of the collared inca is slightly decurved and black in color.
Distribution and Habitat
The collared inca is found along the Andes Mountains from Venezuela to Bolivia. Each of the four subspecies has a distinct range within this region:
– Coeligena torquata torquata – Northern Venezuela
– Coeligena torquata chlorocorys – Colombia and Western Venezuela
– Coeligena torquata fuscicaudata – Central Peru
– Coeligena torquata inca – Southern Peru to Bolivia
This hummingbird inhabits montane forest and scrubland at elevations between 2000-4800 meters. It prefers areas with plentiful flowering plants and scrubby vegetation. The collared inca can be found visiting flowers in cloud forests, Polylepis woodlands, and along forest edges.
Food and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the collared inca feeds on nectar from flowering plants. It uses its specialized long bill and tongue to drink nectar while hovering in front of flowers. The flowers visited by this species include shrubs, trees, and herbs such as:
– Bromeliads (Puya, Tillandsia, Guzmania)
– Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia)
– Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)
– Fuchsia
– Firecracker flowers (Bomarea)
– Red-hot poker (Kniphofia)
The collared inca will also visit hummingbird feeders. As part of its diet, this bird supplements its nectar intake by catching small insects and spiders snared from the air or vegetation.
Behavior and Breeding
The collared inca is territorial and aggressive, chasing other hummingbirds from its feeding areas. Males perform elaborate aerial displays, flying in loops and arcs to attract females. Breeding occurs from March to June, with the peak in April and May. Females build a delicate cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers and spider webs, attached to a branch or trunk. Two white eggs are laid, which the female incubates alone for 15-19 days. The chicks fledge after about 20-26 days in the nest. Collared incas may raise 2-3 broods per breeding season.
Threats and Conservation
Habitat loss from deforestation poses the greatest threat to collared inca populations. Its specialized high elevation habitat continues to decline. The species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but some subspecies with small ranges are endangered. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key forest habitat, studying populations, and maintaining habitat corridors between isolated fragments. Ecotourism projects promote awareness and provide economic incentives for conservation of collared inca habitat.
Unique Attributes
– Iridescent plumage sparkles in the sunlight, with a rainbow-like brilliance. The male’s dazzling coloration makes this species a popular hummingbird for photographs.
– Collared incas utilize torpor, a state of decreased physiological activity, to conserve energy overnight. Their high elevation mountain habitat brings cold temperatures and variable food supplies.
– Most hummingbirds have straight bills, but the collared inca’s bill has a distinctive downward curve. This bill shape may have adapted to feed from certain curved flower shapes.
– The collared inca has unusually short legs and feet compared to other hummingbirds. This may be related to perching on stubby vegetation in their scrubby habitat.
– Stubby tail feathers give the collared inca a rounded silhouette in flight. Most hummingbirds have forked tail shapes.
Significance to Humans
The brilliant colors and active nature of the collared inca make it a favorite species for birdwatchers and nature tourists to observe. Numerous lodges and reserves along the Andean高lands cater to tourists hoping to see these hummingbirds up close. The collared inca also serves as a key pollinator for alpine Andean plant communities. Preserving its habitat helps maintain genetic diversity and ecological health in the fragile high mountain environments it inhabits. Beyond tourism and ecological values, the collared inca provides cultural inspiration, appearing in indigenous art, music, and myths of South America. Its resilience and adaptability to a harsh landscape parallels the lives of Andean peoples eking out an existence in the mountains.
Summary
With its vibrant iridescent plumage and bold white collar, the collared inca is one of South America’s most dazzling hummingbirds. It is a specialized species found only along the Andean highlands, where it plays an essential role as a pollinator for alpine flora. Preserving the habitat of this unique hummingbird remains an important conservation priority, to maintain biodiversity and ecological stability in this fragile ecosystem. The collared inca provides aesthetic, economic, and cultural value to the region, while its adaptability and resilience inspire Andean people. Though small, the collared inca may have an outsized impact on its ecosystem and human neighbors.