The Perijá metaltail is an Endangered species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Confined to the Serranía del Perijá along the Colombia–Venezuela frontier. It uses humid upper montane and elfin forest edges, shrubby clearings, and páramo scrub rich in flowering plants. The species concentrates along ridgelines and steep ravines where ericaceous shrubs, Fuchsia, and other nectar sources are abundant. It tolerates some second-growth but is scarce in heavily disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
2200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Perijá metaltail is a small high-Andean hummingbird restricted to the Serranía del Perijá on the Colombia–Venezuela border. Its name comes from the bird’s distinctive metallic-bronze tail, typical of the metaltails. It frequents elfin forest edges and páramo scrub where it defends rich flower patches. Habitat loss and its tiny range contribute to its Endangered status.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly as it defends small flowering territories. Nests are small cup structures made of plant down and spider silk, placed on sheltered branches. Courtship and territorial chases involve rapid darts and buzzy aerial pursuits.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and rapid tsee-tsee notes, given during foraging and territorial encounters. Wing hum is audible at close range and may accompany display flights.
