Black-breasted Puffleg
Eriocnemis nigrivestis
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A small hummingbird (10-11 cm) endemic to the northwestern Andes of Ecuador at 2,500-3,200 m. Males have a black breast and white leg puffs. Nectarivore of cloud forest and forest edges. Critically Endangered with fewer than 250 individuals estimated remaining.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 11.4 cm | 4.5 in |
| Weight | 4.449999999999999 g | 0.16 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Violet-fronted Brilliant: males with glittering violet forehead; metallic green above; white belly; females green above; spotted below
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the western Andes of Ecuador, primarily the Pichincha and Imbabura regions. 2,800–3,600 m. Critically endangered.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of Andean montane Ericaceae and epiphyte flowers; fluffy leg puffs visible during hover. Gleans small arthropods.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Soft, sustained hum barely audible; extremely faint low-frequency sound audible only at very close range.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Eriocnemis |
| Species | Eriocnemis nigrivestis |
Distribution
Black-breasted Puffleg has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Black-breasted Puffleg eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family