L'oxypogon stuebelii est un colibri à bec court que l'on ne trouve qu'à des altitudes extrêmement élevées dans les Andes centrales de la Colombie. Le mâle adulte a une barbe verte et bleue, une tête noire et chamois et une crête hirsute. Les femelles et les jeunes mâles n'ont pas de crête ni de barbe et ont une coloration plus discrète, mais ils sont toujours reconnaissables à leur grande taille et à leur bec relativement petit. On les voit souvent se nourrir ou se percher sur des plantes d'Espeletia. L'Espeletia, également connu sous le nom de Frailejón, est originaire des prairies des hautes Andes ; il se caractérise par sa tige courte, en forme de tronc, ses grandes feuilles allongées et ses petites fleurs jaunes.
Habitats et répartition
The Buffy Helmetcrest is endemic to Colombia, specifically found in the páramo ecosystems of the central Andes. These high-altitude grasslands, typically situated between 3,800 and 4,800 meters above sea level, provide the cold and wet environment that this species thrives in.
Comportements et reproduction
This hummingbird species is known for its territorial behavior, often aggressively defending its feeding and breeding areas from intruders. The Buffy Helmetcrest builds small cup-shaped nests from plant fibers, moss, and lichens, usually positioned on rock ledges or among dense vegetation. Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when food resources are more abundant.
Régime alimentaire
This hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar from high-altitude flowering plants, especially those with tubular flowers. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein.
Couleurs
Gris avec crête chamois et barbe violette
Faits amusants
Adapted to high-altitude environments with a higher concentration of hemoglobin in their blood.
Males fan out their elongated throat feathers during displays.
Aggressively defends feeding and breeding territories.
Statut de conservation et efforts
The Buffy Helmetcrest is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Habitat destruction, primarily due to agricultural expansion and burning of páramo vegetation, poses a significant threat to its survival. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and restoration, as well as raising awareness about the importance of páramo ecosystems. Initiatives include creating protected areas and working with local communities to promote sustainable land use practices.
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