Perija Metaltail
Metallura iracunda
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<birdfyi-bird slug="metallura-iracunda"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small hummingbird (9-10 cm) endemic to the Sierra de Perijá on the Colombia-Venezuela border at 2,400-3,200 m. Males have purple-red tail. Nectarivore of cloud forest. Classified as Endangered due to extremely restricted range and ongoing deforestation.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 11.6 cm | 4.6 in |
| Weight | 3.8499999999999996 g | 0.14 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Plain-capped Starthroat: males iridescent magenta gorget; metallic bronze-green above; white flanks; females green above; spotted below
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Serranía de Perijá on the Colombia–Venezuela border in cloud forest. 2,000–3,200 m. Restricted range.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of Colombian cloud forest edges; forages at Ericaceae and epiphyte flowers. Supplements with small arthropods.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Soft, liquid notes with gentle character; mellow flowing sequence with subtle melodic variation in humid forest.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Metallura |
| Species | Metallura iracunda |
Distribution
Perija Metaltail has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family