Black Metaltail
Metallura phoebe
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<birdfyi-bird slug="metallura-phoebe"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small hummingbird (10-11 cm) endemic to the western Andes of Peru at 3,000-4,500 m. Males all black with iridescent purple-blue throat. Nectarivore of puna scrub, Polylepis woodland, and inter-Andean valleys. A Peruvian endemic. Conspicuous at flowering shrubs.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14.1 cm | 5.6 in |
| Weight | 5.7325 g | 0.20 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Fiery-throated Hummingbird: tiny; males with multicolored fiery gorget; metallic blue crown; iridescent green above; females duller
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia in puna and upper montane scrub at 3,400–5,000 m elevation.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of high Peruvian puna scrub; visits small compact flowers of cushion plants. Gleans tiny flies.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PN.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Harsh, buzzy rattle with percussive onset; abrupt rough trill erupting suddenly then ceasing in sharp silence.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Metallura |
| Species | Metallura phoebe |
Distribution
Black Metaltail has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family