The coppery-bellied puffleg is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests of the Eastern Andes of Colombia and adjacent western Venezuela (e.g., Táchira and Mérida). It favors cloud-forest edges, secondary growth, and shrubby clearings where tubular flowers are abundant. The species also uses the ecotone between upper montane forest and páramo, including riparian thickets. It typically forages in the understory to mid-story but will ascend to the canopy when flowers are available.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Andean hummingbird is named for the male’s gleaming coppery belly and the distinctive white puffball leg tufts typical of pufflegs. It frequents flowering shrubs at forest edges and clearings, often defending rich nectar sources. Like most hummingbirds, it also eats tiny insects for protein. Habitat loss in montane forests has led to regional declines.
Male coppery-bellied puffleg
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering and quick darts
Social Behavior
Usually solitary at flowers and often defends high-quality nectar patches from other hummingbirds. Courtship is brief; males do not assist with nesting. The female builds a small cup nest from plant fibers and spider silk and incubates two white eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and twitters given during foraging and territorial chases. Wing hum is audible up close, and males may produce rapid buzzy trills in aggressive encounters.
