Anthocephala berlepschi
The Tolima Blossomcrown (Anthocephala berlepschi) is a diminutive and dazzling hummingbird, weighing a mere 2.8-3.2 grams and measuring 7.6-8.1 cm in length. This vibrant gem is primarily iridescent green, adorned with a striking, often sparkling, white forecrown that gives it its evocative name. Distinctive field marks include its white cap, bright green upperparts, and conspicuous rufous undertail coverts, which contrast with a mostly dull whitish belly. The straight, black bill is relative...
Found in humid pre-montane and montane forests, cloud forest edges, regenerating clearings, and mature coffee plantations, typically at elevations between 1,200 and 2,400 meters.
Primarily nectar from a diverse array of flowering plants, supplemented with small arthropods (insects and spiders) caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation.
Tolima Blossomcrowns are diurnal and largely solitary, though they may aggregate non-aggressively at abundant flower sources. They employ a 'hover-and-sip' foraging strategy for nectar, often utilizing a trap-lining approach where they repeatedly visit a circuit of productive flowers. Small arthr...
The Tolima Blossomcrown is an extreme endemic, found exclusively in the Central Andes of Colombia. Its entire known distribution is confined to a narrow elevational band within the department of Tolima, specifically on the humid eastern slopes of the Cordillera Central. Key localities include the...
Endangered
- The Tolima Blossomcrown is one of the most geographically restricted bird species on Earth, found only in a tiny region of Colombia. - Its name, 'Blossomcrown,' refers to the prominent, often sparkling, white cap on its head. - This species is so small that an adult Tolima Blossomcrown weighs l...