The Shining Sunbeam is a large, dark-brown hummingbird with a lilac-gold iridescent lower back and rump. Like other sunbeams, it has a proportionally short bill for a hummingbird. Found at high altitudes, the Shining Sunbeam inhabits semi-arid montane ridges and cloud forests. Most populations are altitudinal migrants, descending seasonally to lower elevations. The Shining Sunbeam forages mainly on nectar, but will also eat arthropods; males have been known to aggressively defend feeding territories from other hummingbirds. There are currently two described subspecies of the Shining Sunbeam.
Habitats & Distribution
The Shining Sunbeam primarily inhabits the montane regions of the Andes. It is often found at elevations between 2,700 to 3,800 meters, frequenting areas such as humid montane forests, edges of forested areas, and shrublands. These environments provide the necessary nectar sources from various flowering plants that sustain this hummingbird.
Geographically, the Shining Sunbeam is distributed across several countries in South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Its range extends along the length of the Andean mountain chain, with populations adapting to the specific ecological conditions found in different elevations and latitudes within this expansive region.
Behaviours & Reproduction
The Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis) exhibits solitary behavior, particularly notable outside its breeding season. Males and females typically come together only to mate. During courtship, males perform aerial displays, showcasing their iridescent plumage to attract females. After mating, females take on all responsibilities related to nest building and care for the young. Nests are usually constructed from plant fibers and animal hair, often situated in sheltered locations like shrubs or tree branches.
Socially, these hummingbirds are primarily solitary and territorial, especially during feeding. Aggressively defending flower-rich territories ensures access to critical food resources. The species doesn’t exhibit elaborate cooperative behaviors; rather, each individual is focused on its survival and reproductive success. This solitary nature extends to the rearing of offspring, with females independently incubating eggs and feeding chicks until they fledge. The Shining Sunbeam does not engage in cooperative breeding or complex social structures, relying instead on key behaviors that ensure the survival and independence of each family unit.
Diet
Nectar of flowering terrestrial bromeliads, vines and trees, such as Puya, Bomarea, Fuchsia, Centropogon, Embothrium, Mutisia, Passiflora and Tristerix. Insects are caught in the air by hawking. Male defends feeding territories at nectar-rich flowering stands.
Colors
Male has short, straight, black bill; crown and mantle dark brown, lower back to rump iridescent lilac-gold shading to shining silver-green on uppertail-coverts; throat rufous with dusky-grey dots, light buff patches on breast, rufous-brown on belly; rectrices range from dark brown to rufous, and are usually edged bronze. Female similar to male, often with iridescent lilac-golden and green on back reduced, sometimes absent. Juvenile light brown, lacks iridescent colours on back.
Fun Facts
Neither sex has any white in the plumage, which helps distinguish the Shining Sunbeam from other species in the genus Algaeactis.
Conservation Status & Efforts
The Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis) currently holds the conservation status of "Least Concern" according to the IUCN Red List. Despite this seemingly secure status, the species faces potential risks primarily from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion, deforestation, and climate change. While the overall population trend is considered stable, localized declines have been noted in areas undergoing significant environmental alteration.
Conservation efforts include habitat protection and restoration initiatives, particularly within key areas of its range in the Andes. Establishing protected areas and conservation corridors helps to maintain the natural landscape that supports the species. Additionally, environmental education and community involvement in conservation practices are being promoted to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. Monitoring programs are essential to track population dynamics and habitat conditions, ensuring timely interventions if negative trends are detected.
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