Most beautiful small birds - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis)

Identification:

• Species name: Fiery-throated Hummingbird
• Scientific name: Panterpe insignis
• Family: Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
• Order: Apodiformes (Hummingbirds and Swifts)
• Subclass: Neornithes (Modern birds)
• Class: Aves (Birds)

Description:

• Size: Tiny, about 8-9 cm (3.1-3.5 in) long with a wingspan of 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 in).
• Body shape: Plump and streamlined, with short legs, a long, slender beak, and a forked tail.
• Plumage color:

Males: Dazzling golden green back and wings, bright coppery-orange throat with iridescent flashes, black face and crown, and white belly stripes.

Females: Duller green upperparts, greenish-yellow throats with less iridescence, and grey underparts with buff streaks.

Black legs.

Dark eyes.

• Beak: Long, slender, and slightly downcurved, black in color, perfectly adapted for reaching deep into flowers to extract nectar.

Behavior:

• Method of feeding: Primarily eats nectar from flowers, hovering mid-air with rapid wingbeats. Also catches small insects on the wing.
• Reproduction: Builds cup-shaped nests on moss-covered branches or vines. Lays 2 white eggs. Both parents care for the young.
• Movement: Resident in most of its range.
• Communication: High-pitched calls and chirp-like songs, with males having more complex vocalizations for defending territory and attracting mates.

Ecology:

• Habitat: Humid mountain forests, particularly near clearings and edges with abundant flowering plants.
• Diet: Nectar from various flowers, including Heliconia and Gesneriaceae species. Also catches small insects like spiders and midges.
• Hunting methods: Hovers mid-air in front of flowers, extending its long beak to extract nectar. May also glean insects from leaves and branches.

Distribution: Found in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.

The Fiery-throated Hummingbird, a feathered jewel blazing with color amidst the verdant mountains of Colombia and Ecuador, might seem like a fleeting masterpiece at first glance. But beneath its shimmering throat pouch and dazzling iridescence lies a treasure trove of fascinating facts and adaptations that will leave you enthralled by this Andean avian dynamo:

Master of the Plunge: Forget delicate sips; the Fiery-throated Hummingbird is a dive bombing nectar champion. They plunge headlong into flowers at breakneck speed, their long bills reaching deep into blossoms to extract hidden treasures. Imagine them as feathered fighter pilots with built-in miniature rockets!

Hidden Feasting Technique: Don't underestimate their tongue! It's extendible and forked, perfectly adapted for extracting nectar even from the deepest floral tubes. Their tongue even flickers rapidly, collecting pollen to pollinate flowers as they feed. Talk about feathered pollinators with built-in miniature vacuum cleaners!

Unexpected Territorial Champions: Despite their tiny size, Fiery-throated Hummingbirds are fierce defenders of their territory. They chase away rivals with impressive aerial acrobatics and even dive-bomb larger birds, proving that size doesn't matter when it comes to protecting your patch of flowers. Think of them as feathered samurai with built-in miniature fighter jets!

Hidden Iridescence Secret: Their dazzling throat patch isn't just for show. The shimmering colors don't come from pigments but from the microscopic structure of their feathers, which refract light like a natural prism. Each angle reveals a new flash of color, making them feathered kaleidoscopes come alive!

Symbiotic Symphony: Fiery-throated Hummingbirds play a vital role in the Andean ecosystem. By pollinating flowers, they contribute to the reproduction of countless plant species, ensuring the vibrant tapestry of the mountain slopes flourishes. These feathered pollinators are vital threads in the web of life.

Cultural Charmers: In Andean cultures, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird is a symbol of energy, resilience, and the power of nature. Its dazzling colors and fearless dives inspire awe and respect, making it a treasured emblem of the region's vibrant ecosystems.

Unexpected Migration Routes: Unlike most hummingbirds that migrate north and south, Fiery-thoroated Hummingbirds follow a unique pattern. They move up and down the Andean slopes as the flowers bloom, ensuring a constant supply of nectar throughout the year. Talk about feathered altitude adventurers!

Hidden Nest Architects: Their nests are miniature masterpieces. Woven from moss, lichens, and spiderwebs, they hang precariously from branches, often adorned with feathers and even the occasional hummingbird leg (don't worry, it's not morbid, just resourceful!). Think of them as feathered aerial sculptors with built-in miniature sewing kits!