The gorgeted puffleg is a Critically Endangered species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Colombia. It was discovered in 2005 and confirmed as a species new to science in 2007.
Region
Western Andes of Colombia
Typical Environment
Extremely localized to the Serranía del Pinche on the western slope of the Western Andes in Cauca Department. It occupies humid montane and cloud forest edges, elfin scrub, and shrubby slopes with abundant flowering plants. The species often frequents forest gaps, landslides, and riparian thickets where shrubs bloom profusely. It may also visit secondary growth when nectar resources are available. Its tiny range is fragmented and surrounded by human-altered landscapes.
Altitude Range
2200–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The gorgeted puffleg is a tiny, recently discovered hummingbird (found in 2005, described in 2007) known for its brilliant blue-violet throat patch and fluffy white leg “puffs.” It is confined to a very small area in Colombia’s Western Andes and is Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and degradation. It feeds mainly on nectar but also takes small insects for protein, defending rich flower patches aggressively.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile hoverer
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and males vigorously defend nectar-rich shrubs. The nest is a small cup attached to a branch or stem, likely built and attended by the female alone as in most hummingbirds. Clutch size is usually two white eggs, and breeding is presumed to coincide with peak flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and rapid, buzzy trills given during foraging and territorial chases. Wing hum is audible at close range and accompanies display flights.
Plumage
Shimmering green body with an iridescent blue-violet gorget in males; females duller with a less extensive throat sheen. Both sexes show conspicuous white, fluffy feather “puffs” on the legs and a mostly dark tail with a slight fork. Upperparts are metallic green; underparts green with some bluish notes.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from flowering shrubs and small trees, including tubular blossoms adapted for hummingbird pollination. It also hawks and gleans tiny arthropods for protein, especially during breeding. Individuals defend productive flower patches and follow sequential blooming across the shrub layer.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, shrubby clearings, and riparian thickets within humid montane and elfin forests. Often visits secondary growth and disturbed slopes where flowering shrubs are concentrated.
