Andean Emerald

Overview

The Andean emerald (Uranomitra franciae) is a species of hummingbird belonging to the emeralds tribe within the subfamily Trochilinae. It is currently found in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, where it inhabits forested environments.

Identification

• Small hummingbird measuring 9 to 11 cm in length.
• Male nominate subspecies features a glittering violet-blue crown and golden- to emerald green cheeks and neck, with white underparts.
• Female is similar to the male but possesses a less glittering turquoise-blue to greenish crown.
• Song consists of a repeated complex phrase of high-pitched squeaky whistles, trills, and scratchy notes.

Habitat

This species inhabits secondary forest, as well as the edges and clearings of wet primary forest. In Peru, it also occurs in drier shrublands. It occupies elevations between 600 and 2,100 m, being most common above 1,000 m.

Diet

The Andean emerald forages for nectar from flowering herbs, vines, and trees, typically operating in the middle to upper strata of the forest by trap-lining. It supplements its diet with insects hawked from a perch.

Did you know?

Although the IUCN has assessed the species as Least Concern, its population size and trend remain unknown. It builds its cup nest using treefern scales and plant fibers bound with spiderweb and lichen, typically situated 1.4 to 2.3 m above the ground.