A Thalurania colombica (Thalurania colombica) prefere florestas sempre verdes e orlas em planícies tropicais, muitas vezes perto de riachos. O macho é deslumbrante, mas muitas vezes parece todo escuro: note-se a cauda bastante longa e profundamente bifurcada e a plumagem esmeralda e violeta brilhante. A fêmea é bastante monótona e simples: note-se o bico preto, os flancos com manchas verdes e a cauda azul-preta com os cantos esbranquiçados.
Habitats e distribuição
The Crowned Woodnymph primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, but it can also be found in montane regions and along forest edges. This species thrives in a diverse array of environments including secondary growth forests, plantations, and sometimes even gardens. Their preference for dense, humid habitats ensures they have ample access to flowering plants, which are essential for their nectar-based diet. Geographically, the Crowned Woodnymph is distributed from southern Central America through northern South America. Its range includes countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and parts of Ecuador. The bird tends to favor elevations ranging from sea level to around 2,500 meters, depending on the availability of suitable forested environments.
Comportamentos e reprodução
The Crowned Woodnymph exhibits solitary and territorial behavior, particularly evident during the breeding season. Males establish and vigorously defend territories rich in food resources, using their vibrant plumage and aerial displays to attract females and ward off rivals. Mating involves elaborate courtship displays, where the male performs intricate flight maneuvers and emits rapid, high-pitched calls to woo the female. Once pair-bonded, the female takes sole responsibility for nest building, egg incubation, and chick rearing. She constructs a small, cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, moss, and spider webs, typically positioned on a low branch in dense foliage. She lays two tiny, white eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. After hatching, she feeds the chicks with regurgitated nectar and insects until they fledge approximately three weeks later. The male does not participate in nesting or chick-rearing, focusing instead on maintaining his territory and attracting additional mates.
Dieta
O alimento desta espécie é o néctar, retirado de uma variedade de flores.
Cores
Gorro, garganta e peito verdes iridescentes. O resto da parte inferior é de um azul iridescente profundo. A cauda é azul escura e bifurcada. A fêmea tem as partes superiores verdes e as partes inferiores maioritariamente cinzentas, com verde nos lados do peito e no ventre.
Factos divertidos
Alimenta-se principalmente a níveis baixos e médios em vegetação rasteira sombria, mas vem aos comedouros nas margens e em clareiras.
Estado de conservação e esforços
The conservation status of the Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica) is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List. The species exhibits a stable population trend, although localized declines may occur due to habitat loss. Primary threats to this hummingbird include deforestation and habitat fragmentation, driven by agriculture, logging, and human encroachment. Conservation efforts for the Crowned Woodnymph focus on habitat preservation and sustainable land management practices. Protected areas and reserves play a critical role in safeguarding their habitats. Additionally, environmental organizations are working with local communities to promote awareness and implement conservation strategies that mitigate habitat destruction while supporting ecological research and monitoring of population dynamics.
