Buff-tailed coronet

The buff-tailed coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) is a species of hummingbird from the family Trochilidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Distinguishing characteristics are the short bill, glittering green coloration, and buffy color under the remiges (flight feathers) and rectrices (tail feathers). Like other hummingbirds, the buff-tailed coronet is often found in mid-level forest to canopy searching for flowers with nectar and some insects. This bird is commonly found from 1500–2400 meters above sea level.

Buff-tailed coronet
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Boissonneaua
Species:
B. flavescens
Binomial name
Boissonneaua flavescens
(Loddiges, 1832)
Buff-tailed coronet in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, Ecuador

Description

The buff-tailed coronet has only slight sexual dimorphism. The female is scaled with white feathers mostly throughout the chin and throat, and some on the belly. Prominent feather colorations are iridescent green with darker wing tips, and buffy hues under the wing and tail feathers. On the face, there is an obvious white post ocular spot on each side. Puffy white “boots” are present at the thighs, an orange tuft at the shoulder, and a short, dark bill. Average size for a buff-tailed coronet is 13.2-13.5 cm with a bill length of 1.8–2 cm.[2]

The buff-tailed coronet and fawn-breasted brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides) are commonly confused due to their similar posterior coloration. The fawn-breasted brilliant has more buff coloration on its breast and underbelly.

Vocalization

The vocalization of the male buff-tailed coronet is a repetitive “chip” noise. This song is usually used when the bird is perched in open areas of the sub-canopy, being within suitable distance from other hummingbirds. The song has also been recorded at feeders with multiple hummingbirds present.[3]

Habitat

The bird occupies many types of habitat, including cloud forest, elfin forest, and páramo. It occurs at 1500 to 2400 meters in elevation.[2]

Behavior

The buff-tailed coronet may share feeding areas with other hummingbirds, but it can be aggressive.[3]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Boissonneaua flavescens". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Restall, R., Ed. (2006). Birds of Northern South America, Volume II. New Haven & London, England: Yale University Press, pg. 262.
  3. Ridgely, R. S. (2001). The Birds of Ecuador (Field Guide), Volume II. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, pg. 47 & 277.
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