Metallura williami
The Viridian Metaltail (*Metallura williami*) is a captivating member of the hummingbird family (Trochilidae), renowned for its dazzling metallic plumage. Measuring approximately 10-12 cm in length, including its distinctive tail, and weighing a mere 4-6 grams, this tiny avian jewel is primarily iridescent green across its upperparts and flanks. Its most striking feature is the tail, which, depending on the subspecies and light, can appear a brilliant viridian green, violet, or bluish-black, ...
Exclusively found in high-altitude Andean environments, the Viridian Metaltail inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, elfin forests, scrubby paramo edges, and forest borders, typically at elevations between 2,000 to 3,800 meters.
The diet of the Viridian Metaltail consists predominantly of nectar, sourced from a variety of flowering plants including Ericaceae, Gesneriaceae, and Bromeliaceae, supplemented by small arthropods caught via hawking or gleaning.
Viridian Metaltails are primarily diurnal and solitary, spending their day actively foraging and defending choice feeding territories. Males are particularly aggressive, frequently engaging in aerial pursuits and vocal chattering to deter intruders from their nectar sources, crucial for their hig...
The Viridian Metaltail is endemic to the Northern Andes, primarily distributed across Colombia, Ecuador, and extending into the extreme northern reaches of Peru. In Colombia, it is found in both the Central and Western Andes mountain ranges, inhabiting humid montane forests. Its range continues s...
Least Concern
- The Viridian Metaltail's specific epithet 'williami' honors William Bullock, an English naturalist and collector from the early 19th century. - Despite its small size, this hummingbird can beat its wings up to 80 times per second while hovering, requiring an incredibly high metabolic rate. - It...