El silfo de cola violeta (Aglaiocercus coelestis) es una colorida especie de colibrí que habita en los bosques de Colombia. Tiene el cuerpo verde, la cola violeta y el pico largo y curvado. Revolotea cerca de las flores y se alimenta de néctar con su larga lengua. Es conocida por su comportamiento territorial y sus exhibiciones aéreas. Se encuentra en las estribaciones y zonas subtropicales de los Andes, desde unos 900-2.000 m, sólo en el oeste de Ecuador y Colombia. Suele forrajear a poca altura en el bosque o en el borde del mismo. Visita comederos.
Hábitats y distribución
The Violet-tailed Sylph inhabits humid and wet montane forests, primarily cloud forests, at elevations ranging from 300 to 2,200 meters above sea level. This bird is closely associated with dense, moist environments that provide ample floral resources and canopy cover, both crucial for its feeding and nesting habits. Epiphyte-laden forests with abundant flowering plants, such as bromeliads and orchids, complement its preference for shaded and cool areas. Geographically, the Violet-tailed Sylph's range is limited to the western Andes of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Within these regions, it is most commonly observed in the Chocó biogeographic region, an area renowned for its biodiversity and high levels of endemism. This specific distribution underscores the bird's reliance on the unique climatic and ecological conditions found in the Andean cloud forests.
Comportamiento y reproducción
The Violet-tailed Sylph exhibits a polygynous mating system, where males display their vibrant plumage and elongated tail feathers to attract females. During courtship, males engage in aerial displays and aggressive chases to establish dominance and impress potential mates. These displays are usually performed in well-lit, open areas within their preferred cloud forest habitat, enhancing the visibility of their iridescent feathers. Once a female selects a mate, she is solely responsible for nest building, incubation, and caring for the young. The nest, constructed from moss, fern spores, and spider webs, is typically hidden in dense foliage for protection. After laying one to three eggs, the female incubates them for about two to three weeks. Upon hatching, the chicks are altricial, requiring significant parental care. The female diligently feeds them with regurgitated nectar and insects until they fledge in approximately three weeks. The male does not partake in raising the offspring, as his primary role is to continue competing for mates.
Dieta
Néctar, pequeños insectos
Colores
El macho es principalmente verde esmeralda con garganta verde azulada. La larga cola bifurcada es púrpura y azul iridiscente. La hembra es muy diferente, pero aún distintiva con su vientre naranja y pecho blanco.
Datos curiosos
Llamativo colibrí con cola extremadamente larga.
Estado y esfuerzos de conservación
The Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Its population is suspected to be in decline primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation and agricultural expansion in its native range in Colombia and Ecuador. The primary threats to this species include logging, land conversion for agriculture, and the spread of plantations that replace native forests. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring its natural habitat. Important measures include the establishment of protected areas and reserves, as well as reforestation projects that aim to restore degraded habitats. Conservationists are also working with local communities to promote sustainable farming practices and to create buffer zones around critical habitats. Additionally, ongoing research and monitoring are essential to track population trends and to ensure that conservation strategies are effective.
Galería
