Rainbow-bearded Thornbill

Whitetip Glanzschwänzchen ( Chalcostigma herrani ) ♂

The white tip Glanzschwänzchen ( Chalcostigma herrani ) or sometimes red-breast - Glanzschwänzchen is a species of bird in the family of hummingbirds ( Trochilidae ). The species has a large distribution area, which covers about 76,000 square kilometers in the South American countries of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The stock is assessed by the IUCN as endangered not (Least Concern ).

Features

The white tip Glanzschwänzchen reaches a body length of about 10.5 to 11 centimeters. The fine short beak is about 13 millimeters long. His weight fluctuates between 5.5-6.5 grams. Its plumage is mainly dark green. The forehead and the rump coppery glow. The Kehllatz is emerald green and crossed by red top spot. His long tail feathers with white tips are midnight blue. The female looks very similar, but it is less noticeable.

Habitat

However, in rare bird is found in open woods. He prefers to live in dense undergrowth or the andes typical páramo near the tree line. The white tip Glanzschwänzchen lives as a sedentary bird on rocky mountain slopes at altitudes of 2700-3600 meters.

Behavior

Mostly one can see the hummingbird alone at flowers while sucking up nectar. He usually holds on. He also feeds on small insects. One can describe the behavior of the bird as territorial and aggressive. The males behave polygamous. Depending on the area there are several breeding seasons (either September or mid-July ). The females incubate their eggs without the support of the males. Also the supply of altricial falls to the female.

Subspecies

So far, two subspecies are known. The following subspecies have been identified:

• Chalcostigma herrani herrani ( Delattre & Bourcier, 1846)
• Chalcostigma herrani tolimae ( Kleinschmidt, 1927)

The subspecies tolimae are found in the Central Andes of Colombia at the Nevado del Tolima. The subspecies in the western Andes of Colombia herrani comes from the National Park Munchique to Nariño ago. In addition, you will find the ssp. on both sides of the mountain slopes from Ecuador to Piura in northern Peru.