Eriocnemis cupreoventris
Eriocnemis cupreoventris, the Coppery-bellied Puffleg, is a striking medium-sized hummingbird, typically measuring 9-10 cm (3.5-3.9 inches) in length and weighing approximately 3.9-4.5 grams. Males boast brilliant metallic green plumage over most of the body, highlighted by a distinctive, shimmering coppery-red patch on the lower belly and undertail coverts, which gives the species its common name. The iridescent green gorget sparkles with emerald and golden hues, contrasting sharply with the...
Primarily inhabits humid montane cloud forests, forest edges, and scrubland, often near flowering plants, at elevations typically between 1,800 to 3,000 meters.
Consists primarily of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
Coppery-bellied Pufflegs are diurnal, highly active feeders, spending most of their day foraging. They typically roost alone in dense foliage overnight to conserve energy. Foraging involves specialized hovering flight to extract nectar from tubular flowers, often employing a "traplining" strategy...
The Coppery-bellied Puffleg is largely endemic to the Eastern Andes of Colombia, where it is found throughout departments such as Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Santander, and Norte de Santander. Its distribution extends northwards into a small portion of the extreme southwestern Táchira state in Venezuel...
Least Concern
- The "puffleg" in its name refers to the distinctive, dense tufts of white feathers on its legs, which are thought to provide insulation in cold Andean environments and may play a role in courtship displays. - Despite its small size, its heart beats up to 1,200 times per minute, supporting an in...