Viridian Metaltail

Overview

The viridian metaltail (Metallura williami) is a species of hummingbird within the coquettes tribe. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• 11 to 12 cm long, weighing between 4.1 and 5.3 g, with a medium-length, straight black bill.
• The nominate adult male displays bottle green upper- and underparts, a glittering bottle green gorget, and a purplish blue, slightly forked tail.
• The adult female has bottle green upperparts but mottled green and white underparts, with outer tail feathers that have whitish tips on the underside.
• Vocalisations include a descending series of three to five squeaky notes, often followed by jumbled dry buzzy trills, as well as repeated dry or gravelly notes.

Habitat

This species inhabits páramo grasslands with scattered shrubs, as well as the shrubby edges of humid montane and elfin forests. Its range is restricted to the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador, typically occurring between 2,700 and 3,600 m in Ecuador and up to 4,000 m in Colombia.

Diet

The viridian metaltail forages at all levels of vegetation in its habitat, feeding on nectar while hovering. It shows a preference for shrubs of the Ericaceae and Melastomataceae families, with males actively defending feeding territories.

Did you know?

Breeding nests are constructed from moss lined with soft plant down and small feathers, often situated in a rocky niche or other sheltered spot.