Le Coronet velouté (Boissonneaua jardini) est une espèce de colibri coloré que l'on trouve dans les forêts de Colombie. Son plumage est principalement vert, sa gorge est d'un violet éclatant et son bec est long et recourbé. Il plane près des fleurs et se nourrit de nectar à l'aide de sa longue langue. Il est connu pour son comportement territorial et ses parades aériennes. Ce colibri de taille moyenne semble noirâtre sous un faible éclairage, mais sous le bon angle, il se transforme en un joyau éblouissant avec un ventre et une couronne violets, des flancs turquoise et des couvertures alaires verdâtres. Notez les éclats blancs de la queue. Comme les autres couronnes, il relève ses ailes pendant quelques secondes lorsqu'il se pose, exposant ainsi le dessous des ailes d'une riche couleur marron. Les sexes sont semblables. Aire de répartition très restreinte dans l'ouest de la Colombie et de l'Équateur, où il est généralement peu commun dans les forêts nuageuses humides et les lisières de la zone subtropicale inférieure.
Habitats et répartition
The Velvet-purple Coronet inhabits the humid montane forests of the Andean slopes in Colombia and Ecuador. This vibrant species is predominantly found at elevations ranging between 900 to 2,300 meters, where it thrives in the lush, dense vegetation. Its preferred environments include cloud forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, which provide abundant food sources such as nectar-producing flowers and a variety of insects. Geographically, the Velvet-purple Coronet's range is relatively limited, being confined to the western Andes. Within this range, it is often observed in protected areas and forest reserves that support its specialized habitat requirements. The combination of altitude, climate, and forest density creates an ideal habitat for this striking hummingbird, allowing it to maintain stable populations within its specific ecological niche.
Comportements et reproduction
The Velvet-purple Coronet exhibits intriguing reproductive behaviors and social structures. Males are known for their territorial nature, often aggressively defending their feeding areas from other males. During courtship, males perform elaborate aerial displays and vocalizations to attract females. These courtship displays are not only vital for attracting mates but also for asserting dominance within their territories. Once a female chooses a mate, she is solely responsible for nest building, incubation, and chick-rearing. The nests are usually constructed on slender branches, made from soft plant materials and spider webs, providing camouflage and protection. Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when food sources are abundant. The female lays one or two eggs, which she incubates for about 16-19 days. After hatching, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born blind and helpless, requiring significant parental investment. The mother feeds them a rich diet of insects and nectar until they fledge, usually around 20-26 days after hatching. This reproductive strategy ensures that the young are well-fed and protected during their most vulnerable stages, enhancing their chances of survival.
Régime alimentaire
Nectar, petits insectes
Couleurs
Ventre et couronne violets, flancs turquoises et couvertures alaires verdâtres.
Faits amusants
Visite les mangeoires. Les mâles de cette espèce effectuent des parades nuptiales élaborées, impliquant des poursuites aériennes et des plongeons, montrant leur plumage éclatant pour attirer une partenaire.
Statut de conservation et efforts
The Velvet-purple Coronet is currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. However, its population trend is decreasing, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation driven by deforestation for agriculture and logging. This hummingbird is endemic to the humid montane forests in the western Andes of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, where these threats are most pronounced. Efforts to conserve the Velvet-purple Coronet include the establishment of protected areas and reserves, such as the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve in Ecuador, which safeguards critical habitats. Conservation groups are also working on reforestation projects and promoting sustainable land use practices to mitigate forest destruction. Additionally, environmental education programs aim to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of conserving this species and its ecosystem.
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