The hummingbird with the distinct tufted head is the Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica). This medium-sized hummingbird can be identified by the fluffy crest of violet-blue feathers on the top of its head that gives it a unique appearance. The Violet-crowned Woodnymph is found in Central America and parts of western South America. In this article, we will discuss the identification, range, habitat, diet, and interesting facts about this crested hummingbird.
Identifying the Violet-crowned Woodnymph
The most noticeable feature of the Violet-crowned Woodnymph is the violet-blue crest on its head. This tufted crest distinguishes it from other hummingbirds in its range. The crest lies flat but can be erected when the bird is excited.
In addition to its crested head, other identification features include:
– Size – The Violet-crowned Woodnymph has a total body length of 9-10 cm (3.5-4 in) from bill tip to tail tip, making it a medium-sized hummingbird species.
– Bill – It has a medium-long, straight, and slender bill that is black in color.
– Plumage – The male Violet-crowned Woodnymph has an iridescent emerald green throat, chest, and belly. Its back and tail are gray-brown. The female is similar but has white spotting on the throat and chest.
– Tail – The tail is slightly forked and squared off at the end. It is mostly greenish-brown in color.
So in summary, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph can be identified by its distinct violet-blue tufted head, medium size, straight black bill, emerald green plumage on the underside, gray-brown back, and forked tail. The vibrant crest is unique and makes this hummingbird stand out.
Range and Distribution
The Violet-crowned Woodnymph has a range that includes parts of Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America.
In Mexico, it is found along the Pacific slope from southern Sinaloa to Chiapas. Its range extends south along the Pacific side of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
It is also found along the Caribbean slope of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In South America, its range includes western Colombia, western Ecuador, and far northwestern Peru.
This species is mostly resident across its range. However, some seasonal movements have been noted, particularly at the northern and southern ends of its range.
Overall, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph occupies humid tropical and subtropical forest, woodland, and second growth habitat at elevations up to 1000 m (3300 ft) across its Mesoamerican and South American distribution.
Habitat
The Violet-crowned Woodnymph occurs in a variety of forest and woodland habitats across its range. It prefers humid environments near water sources.
Some specific habitats used by the Violet-crowned Woodnymph include:
– Lowland and montane tropical evergreen forests.
– Tropical deciduous forests.
– Pine-oak and cloud forests.
– Riverside gallery forests.
– Forest edges and second growth.
– Parks and gardens with abundant flowers.
Across these habitats, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph is often found near small forest streams, swampy clearings, or other wet areas where it can access nectar-producing flowers and flowering shrubs. It also uses more open, semi-arid areas such as scrubby woodlands and thickets. But it always remains relatively close to moisture and flowering plants.
Diet and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph has a specialized diet consisting mainly of nectar, tree sap, and small insects and spiders. The major components of its diet include:
– Nectar – The Violet-crowned Woodnymph feeds on the nectar of both herbaceous and woody flowering plants. Some favorite nectar sources include Heliconia, Inga, Erythrina, and Palicourea species, as well mushroom mycelia. It uses its long bill and extensible tongue to drink nectar while hovering at flowers.
– Sap – This species obtains sap by piercing holes in trees such as Inga and Erythrina. It licks up the oozing sap with its tongue.
– Arthropods – To obtain protein, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph hawks flying insects like mosquitoes, gnats, flies, beetles and spiders. Arthropods are often plucked from leaves and bark.
– Fruits – Small berries and fruits may occasionally supplement the diet, especially during the non-breeding season when flowers are less abundant.
Feeding territories are not strongly maintained. But males do display to other males or passing females to advertise preferred nectar sources. The Violet-crowned Woodnymph feeds regularly throughout the day by moving between nectar-rich patches of flowers and flowering trees.
Reproduction and Nesting
The breeding season of the Violet-crowned Woodnymph varies across its range, generally coinciding with peak flower and food availability:
– In Central America, breeding typically occurs from March to June during the dry season.
– In South America, breeding takes place from December to March which corresponds to the rainy season.
– At higher elevations, the breeding season is usually shifted later.
Males perform aerial displays to court females. These displays involve flying in pendulum-like patterns above the female while calling loudly.
Once paired, the female constructs a small cup nest out of plant fibers, moss, lichens, and spider webs on a low horizontal branch or tree fork 1-3 m above ground. The exterior of the nest is camouflaged with bits of bark, moss, and lichens.
The female lays 2 tiny white eggs. She incubates them alone for 14-19 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated food by the female and fledge at 22-26 days old. The male does not participate in incubation or feeding.
Up to two broods may be raised per season. Violet-crowned Woodnymph females are highly territorial around nest sites, chasing away other hummingbirds and potential predators.
Migration
Most Violet-crowned Woodnymph populations are non-migratory and remain resident year-round on breeding territories.
However, some populations that breed at the northern and southern edges of the range may migrate short distances between breeding and nonbreeding grounds.
In Mexico, vagrant individuals occasionally wander north of the normal range following the blooming of spring flowers and flowering agaves. These likely represent post-breeding dispersal rather than true migration.
There are no major migratory routes or wintering grounds used by Violet-crowned Woodnymphs. Only local movements appear to occur in response to seasonal food availability. Banding studies are needed to better understand potential migratory patterns in this species.
Conservation Status
The Violet-crowned Woodnymph remains widespread and fairly common across much of its range. Its total population is estimated at somewhere between 500,000 to 5 million individuals.
Due to its large range and stable population trends, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
However, localized declines have occurred in some areas due to habitat loss. Continued deforestation for agriculture and development across its range may put pressure on populations in the future.
Participation in tourism and recreational bird feeding could benefit Violet-crowned Woodnymph populations around human settlements. Overall, the combination of a large range, substantial population, and occurrence in some protected areas means this species faces no major widespread threats at present.
Interesting Facts
There are some interesting facts about the biology and behavior of the Violet-crowned Woodnymph:
– Their feather crests are unique among hummingbirds, making them easily identifiable. When excited, they can fully erect the crest.
– Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in aerial patterns to attract females. These pendulum-like flights cover large distances.
– They utilize a range of forest habitats, but always remain near water sources. They are strongly associated with wetland areas.
– Their long, slender bill and extensible tongue allows them to probe flowers and access nectar. This adaptation helps them exploit certain flowers.
– Females are highly aggressive around their nests, chasing away much larger intruders. They may use ‘distraction displays’ to lure potential threats away from the nest.
– They play an important role as pollinators for many tropical plant species with their nectar-feeding habits.
– While non-migratory, they make small local movements in response to food availability. Their range expands slightly during the flowering season.
So in summary, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph is a fascinating tropical hummingbird recognized by its distinct crest and behaviors. Learning more about this species provides insight into hummingbird ecology and evolution in Central and South America.
Conclusion
The Violet-crowned Woodnymph is a medium-sized hummingbird identified by the unique tufted crest of vibrant feathers on its head. Resident across Central America and parts of western South America, it inhabits tropical forests and woodlands, especially near wetland areas. A specialist nectar feeder, but also eats small insects and spiders, it plays an important ecological role as a pollinator. While overall still relatively common, habitat loss may threaten some populations. However, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph remains a colorful and interesting fixture of Neotropical forests where its unique tufted profile stands out among the diversity of hummingbirds. Observing its behaviors and movements provides a window into hummingbird biology and the interconnectedness of nectar-feeding birds and their floral resources across the New World tropics.
