The Rufous-vented Whitetip (Leucippus chlorocercus) is a medium-sized hummingbird found in tropical Latin America. With its distinctive rufous-colored tail and bold white tips on the outer tail feathers, this species is unmistakable. Measuring 8-10 cm in length and weighing 5-8 grams, it has an average wingspan of 5.7 inches. Males and females look similar, with males being slightly larger. Their plumage is generally green above and white below, with bluish feathers around the throat. The long black bill is slightly curved.
This hummingbird inhabits forests and woodland edges from sea level up to 1100 m elevation. Its range extends from Panama south through western Colombia and western Ecuador. Within this range, it occupies both wet and dry forest types, as well as second growth scrub. It has a preference for flowers located in open and semi-open areas.
Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the Rufous-vented Whitetip has a swift flying ability and a high metabolism. It feeds mainly on nectar from a variety of brightly colored tubular flowers, including those from heliconias, erato vulcanica, besleria, drymonia, and other plants. To support its rapid energy needs, an adult consumes more than half its body weight in nectar each day. It uses its long extendable tongue to lap up nectar while hovering in front of flowers.
The Rufous-vented Whitetip will also hawk small insects, often catching them in midair. Adding this protein source to its diet provides important nutrients. Some favorite insect prey includes flies, beetles, mosquitoes, gnats, and aphids. The long bill is adapted for seizing insects.
Reproduction
The breeding season for this hummingbird coincides with the rainy season between May and November. During courtship displays, the male performs aerial dances and dives to impress the female. Once paired, the female constructs a small cup-shaped nest out of plant down and fibers, binding it together with spiderwebs. She lines the inner nest with soft plant fibers, animal hair, or feather down. The tiny nest is only about 2 inches wide and is well camouflaged, placed along a high horizontal branch, vine, or frond.
The female lays two tiny white eggs in the nest, and she alone incubates them. After about 16-19 days, the eggs hatch. Both parents feed the chicks with regurgitated insects and nectar. The nestlings fledge in about 20-26 days. Once the young leave the nest, they are independent of the parents. The Rufous-vented Whitetip is sometimes parasitized by the Flame-rumped Tanager which lays eggs in its nest.
Migration
This species is considered resident across its range, found year-round in the same breeding and non-breeding habitats. However, some seasonal movements have been noted, and the species may make minor elevational migrations.
Conservation Status
With a relatively widespread population, the Rufous-vented Whitetip is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Partners in Flight estimate its global breeding population at over 50 million individuals. Numbers are generally stable, although some localized declines have occurred, particularly at the northern edge of its range in Panama. Threats include habitat loss from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and cattle ranching. Climate change and drought may also impact populations in the future. Eco-tourism poses a threat if unregulated, as does nest disturbance from logging activities.
Fun Facts
– The rufous coloration on its tail results from pigments in its diet. The white tips are produced by pristine feathers with no pigment.
– Its wings can beat up to 70 times per second, enabling precise hovering and sudden flight bursts. Muscles make up 25-35% of its body weight.
– To conserve energy at night, it enters torpor, lowering its body temperature and metabolic rate.
– Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in U-shaped or figure-8 patterns up to 100 feet in the air.
– The Rufous-vented Whitetip utilizes trap-lining behavior, repeatedly visiting productive flowers along set routes. They aggressively chase away intruders.
– Their long, specialized tongue has forked tips for nectar-lapping. Grooves along the tongue trap the liquid using capillary action.
– They build multiple backup nests, often reusing or repairing ones from previous years. Nests are cleverly disguised as knots or mosses.
– Species name chlorocercus combines the Greek words chloros meaning green and kerkos meaning tail.
In summary, with its bold black and white-tipped tail, the Rufous-vented Whitetip is an energetic and distinct tropical hummingbird. It plays an important ecological role as a pollinator for many plants across its Latin American forest habitat. While generally thriving, this species does face some conservation threats that need monitoring. However, with appropriate habitat conservation, eco-tourism regulation, and climate change mitigation, the charming and energetic Rufous-vented Whitetip can continue gracing the forests of Panama to Ecuador.