The greenish puffleg is a small hummingbird found in the northern Andes mountains of South America. With its vibrant green plumage and unique puffy leg feathers, this species has captivated ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. In this article, we will explore the identification, distribution, habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, conservation status, and interesting facts about this dazzling bird.
Identification
The greenish puffleg is aptly named for its puffy white leg feathers, a distinctive characteristic of the species. The male has overall bright emerald green plumage on the head, back, wings, and tail. The underside is greener on the throat, grading to grayish under the tail. The female is similar but has dingier gray-green plumage on the underside. Both sexes have a medium-length straight black bill and dark brown irises. The legs and feet are flesh-colored.
At about 9-10 cm in length, the greenish puffleg is a mid-sized hummingbird. It shares the puffy leg feathers with its close cousin, the golden-bellied puffleg. It can be distinguished from that species by its overall green plumage. Females and juveniles may be confused with other dull green hummers in its range, but the leg puffs help confirm identification.
Distribution
The greenish puffleg is endemic to a relatively small region in northwest South America. Its breeding range is concentrated in the Andes mountains of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador. After breeding, some individuals may migrate downslope or north into central Colombia. However, its distribution remains localized to humid montane forest and paramo habitat, mainly at elevations between 2500-4000 m.
There are three recognized subspecies of the greenish puffleg which occupy different parts of its range:
– E. v. viridissimus – Nominate, found in southern Colombia
– E. v. millerorum – Northern Ecuador
– E. v. chlorospila – Central Colombia
Habitat
This species inhabits humid montane evergreen forest, elfin forest, and paramo. It occurs along forest edges, in clearings, and in shrubby overgrown pastures. The greenish puffleg can sometimes be found visiting garden flowers near forest edges, but it is much more common deep in montane habitat than other southern puffleg species.
Diet
The greenish puffleg feeds on nectar from flowering plants using its specialized long tongue and bill. It prefers to visit small tubular flowers, including those in the families Ericaceae, Asteraceae, and Bromeliaceae. A couple recorded plant genera include Disterigma and Brachyotum.
It feeds mainly while hovering but will occasionally perch to consume nectar. While feeding, pollen sticks to its head and bill, which it transfers between blossoms. This makes the greenish puffleg an important pollinator for its specialized mountain habitat. To supplement its diet, the species sometimes hawks small insects in flight.
Behavior
This hummingbird is somewhat solitary, found alone or in pairs. Both sexes are territorial and aggressive, defending feeding areas from intrusion. Males display their iridescent throats during altercations and make audible chipping sounds. The greenish puffleg has a direct, strong flight and can be acrobatic. It perches more often than many hummers.
Greenish pufflegs typically perch on low exposed branches, allowing observation. From a perch, individuals make brief sallies outward to catch small insects. They bathe by sitting in wet moss, fluttering their wings. On cold nights, they may reduce their metabolism and body temperature significantly to conserve energy.
Reproduction
The breeding season of the greenish puffleg varies across its range but occurs primarily from March to July in Colombia. Courtship displays have been observed in April and May. The male performs flights to show off his feathers for the female and feeds her during courtship.
The female builds a small cup nest out of plant fibers and other materials, binding it to a vertical stem with spider webs. She incubates the two tiny white eggs alone for about 16-19 days until they hatch. The chicks are fed by the female and fledge at 22-26 days old. The female may raise a second brood within the same season.
Conservation Status
The greenish puffleg is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population appears to be steady, with an estimated extent of occurrence of 20,000-50,000 km2. Parts of its range in National Parks in Colombia and Ecuador afford it some protection.
However, the species has a limited distribution making it potentially vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Climate change may also impact its high mountain ecosystems. Continued protection of Andean forest habitat will be important for the persistence of greenish puffleg populations.
Interesting Facts
– The greenish puffleg was first scientifically described in 1854 by the German naturalist Ludwig Reichenbach. Its scientific name incorporates viridissimus meaning “very green.”
– This species favors wingspread postures, where it faces its tail outward while perched. Ornithologists speculate this unique behavior may help regulate the bird’s temperature.
– Its puffy leg feathers probably serve an aerodynamic purpose, reducing turbulence around the legs in flight. This may help the small bird hover more efficiently.
– The greenish puffleg’s squeaky vocalizations are surprisingly loud and attention-grabbing for a bird its size. The function of these conspicuous calls is unknown.
– While primarily consuming nectar, the greenish puffleg has been documented eating small arthropods and even robbing honey from bees. This supplement to its diet provides protein.
– Adults undergo a complete molt each year between December and March. Their old feathers get replaced gradually so they can continue flying.
In summary, the greenish puffleg is a charismatic hummingbird endemic to the northern Andes mountains. From its puffy leg feathers to its territorial behavior, this species has many quirky and intriguing qualities. As development pressures continue to threaten the tropical Andes, conserving humid forest habitat will be key to protecting the greenish puffleg and its specialized ecosystem. Maintaining connectivity between protected areas will allow this unique pollinator to continue its specialized ecological role.