The colorful puffleg is an Endangered species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Western Andes of Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane cloud forests, favoring mossy, epiphyte-rich understory and forest edges. It frequents steep ravines, ridge crests, and areas along streams where flowering shrubs are abundant. The species uses natural clearings and edges created by treefalls to access nectar-rich blooms. It is highly localized and patchily distributed, reflecting the fragmented nature of suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
2200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This brilliantly colored hummingbird is known for its fluffy white leg tufts (“pufflegs”) and striking iridescent plumage. It has one of the smallest ranges of any hummingbird, being confined to a narrow band of cloud forest in Colombia. Habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture is its main threat, though some of its habitat lies within protected areas. Its leg puffs are thought to play a role in display during territorial or courtship interactions.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and defends rich flowering patches from other hummingbirds. Nests are small cup-like structures placed on mossy branches or sheltered ledges in the understory. Courtship involves aerial chases and display postures that show off the leg puffs and iridescent plumage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills, given intermittently while foraging. Wing hum is audible at close range, especially during territorial chases. Vocalizations are subtle compared to the conspicuous visual displays.
Plumage
Iridescent and multi-hued with glossy green upperparts, bluish to violet rump, and bright metallic tones on the underparts; dense, fluffy leg puffs are conspicuous.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of montane shrubs, vines, and epiphytes, probing tubular flowers with its slender bill and tongue. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage. When resources are rich, it defends flowering clumps vigorously; during lean periods it ranges more widely.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and streamside corridors where flowering plants are concentrated. Often visits patches of ericaceous shrubs and other nectar sources in the midstory and understory.
