Bronze-tailed Thornbill
Chalcostigma heteropogon
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A small hummingbird (10-11 cm) found in Andean cloud forests and páramo edges from Venezuela to Peru at 2,500-3,800 m. Green plumage with bronze tail and purple throat (males). Nectarivore of high-altitude shrubs. The largest thornbill in the genus Chalcostigma.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14.1 cm | 5.6 in |
| Weight | 5.65 g | 0.20 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Mangrove Hummingbird: tiny; males with violet gorget; metallic green above; white-spotted underparts; females green above; spotted
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in high Andean grassland and scrub from Venezuela through Colombia to Ecuador at 2,800–4,200 m.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of high Andean grasslands and shrublands; visits Ericaceae and Gentianaceae blooms. Gleans tiny arthropods.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Deep, hollow churring with resonant bass; prolonged low buzzing audible at range through open forest edge.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Chalcostigma |
| Species | Chalcostigma heteropogon |
Distribution
Bronze-tailed Thornbill has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bronze-tailed Thornbill eat?
Where does the Bronze-tailed Thornbill live?
Is the Bronze-tailed Thornbill endangered?
What does the Bronze-tailed Thornbill sound like?
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What order and family does the Bronze-tailed Thornbill belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family