Metallura odomae
The Neblina Metaltail (Metallura odomae) is a captivating, diminutive hummingbird, averaging around 11 cm (4.3 in) in length and weighing a mere 3.5-4.5 grams. This high-altitude specialist is predominantly dusky bronze-green, with males boasting a dazzling iridescent greenish-gold gorget that shifts color with the light, and a striking violet-blue, moderately forked tail. Females are generally duller, often exhibiting dusky-streaked whitish underparts and sometimes a reduced gorget, indicati...
Resides primarily in humid montane forest borders, elfin forest, and scrubby páramo edges at elevations ranging from 2,700 to 3,600 meters, occasionally descending to 2,300 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar extracted from a variety of high-altitude flowering plants, supplemented by small arthropods caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
Neblina Metaltails are highly active during daylight hours, typically solitary, and fiercely territorial, with males often defending prime nectar sources. Their foraging strategy involves both traplining, where they visit a regular circuit of flowers, and hovering to sip nectar, as well as agile ...
The Neblina Metaltail is an endemic resident of the high Andes, with a highly restricted and disjunct distribution across southern Colombia and northern Ecuador. In Colombia, its primary range is within the Nariño department, particularly in the vicinity of the Nudo de los Pastos. Further south, ...
Near Threatened
- The Neblina Metaltail is named for its preference for the "neblina" or mist-shrouded cloud forests of the Andes. - Its dazzling iridescent tail can appear violet-blue or purplish depending on the angle of light, a key identifying feature. - This species is an elevational specialist, rarely foun...