Blue-bearded Helmetcrest
Oxypogon cyanolaemus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="oxypogon-cyanolaemus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small hummingbird (11-12 cm) endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, at 3,500-4,700 m. Males have a blue beard and erect crest. Critically Endangered due to extremely restricted páramo habitat on an isolated mountain range.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14.0 cm | 5.5 in |
| Weight | 4.8 g | 0.17 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Blue-chested Hummingbird: males with glittering blue-green gorget; metallic bronze-green above; females green above; buff underparts
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, in high páramo at 3,000–4,600 m. Critically endangered.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of Venezuelan páramo; forages at Espeletia and Ericaceae blooms in cold conditions. Catches small insects.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Rapid, mechanical clicking in even rhythm; dry staccato notes forming continuous even sequence typical of swift.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Oxypogon |
| Species | Oxypogon cyanolaemus |
Distribution
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Blue-bearded Helmetcrest eat?
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Is the Blue-bearded Helmetcrest endangered?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family