Gorgeted puffleg

The gorgeted puffleg (Eriocnemis isabellae) is a hummingbird endemic to Colombia. This species was discovered in 2005, and confirmed as a new species to science in 2007. It faces the risk of extinction, and therefore a status of Critically Endangered has been recommended. The only known habitat is the cloud forests of the Serranía del Pinche (Department of Cauca), in the West Andes. The habitat is threatened by clearing forest for agriculture, especially coca farming.[2]

Gorgeted puffleg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Eriocnemis
Species:
E. isabellae
Binomial name
Eriocnemis isabellae
Cortés-Diago, Weller et al., 2007[2]

The gorgeted puffleg measures between 90 and 100 millimeters (3.5 to 4 inches) in length. The name of the species is in relation to the gorget on the throat of the male, a patch of iridescent green and brilliant blue feathers, and from the puffs of white feathers at the thighs.[3]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Eriocnemis isabellae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. "Stunning new hummingbird species needs immediate protection". BirdLife International. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  3. "New hummingbird species discovered in Colombia". ABC News Online. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
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