The magnificent hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found in South America that is known for its vibrant plumage. This medium-sized hummingbird was previously known by the scientific name Eugenes fulgens. However, recent research has led to it being renamed to a new scientific name. In this article, we will look at what the new name is for this bird, why the name has changed, and some key facts about the magnificent hummingbird.
What is the new name for the magnificent hummingbird?
The new scientific name given to the magnificent hummingbird is Eulampis fulgens. Previously, it was known as Eugenes fulgens. The genus name was changed from Eugenes to Eulampis in 2017 based on new phylogenetic evidence and analysis of DNA relationships between different hummingbird species.
Eulampis fulgens remains the currently accepted name used by ornithological authorities such as the International Ornithologists’ Union (IOC) and the American Ornithological Society. Any future references to this hummingbird species in scientific literature or birding guides should use the new genus name Eulampis.
Why did the name change?
The magnificent hummingbird was previously placed in the genus Eugenes along with several other large, glittering hummingbird species found in South America. However, advances in molecular genetics and DNA analysis have provided new insights into evolutionary relationships between different hummingbirds.
Researchers analyzing genetic data found that the magnificent hummingbird was not as closely related to other Eugenes hummingbirds as previously thought. Its DNA showed it to be more closely related to species in the genus Eulampis.
Based on these new phylogenetic findings, taxonomists recommended moving the magnificent hummingbird to be classified under the genus Eulampis rather than Eugenes to better reflect its evolutionary relationships. This change was adopted by the scientific community in 2017.
The name change helps improve the accuracy of hummingbird taxonomy and classification. As new evidence comes to light, researchers can refine the genus and species names used for different birds to create a taxonomy that more closely mirrors evolution.
Key facts about the magnificent hummingbird
Here are some key facts about this colorful South American species:
– Length ranges from 8.5-9.5 cm. One of the larger hummingbird species.
– Weight ranges from 5-7 grams. Males are slightly larger than females.
– Plumage is mostly metallic green above, with a purplish-violet throat, blue-green crown and tail, and white underparts. The vibrant throat patch distinguishes it from other hummingbirds.
– Found in various forest and woodland habitats from Venezuela and Colombia south to Peru and Bolivia. Most widespread in foothill and lower mountain tropical forests.
– Main diet consists of nectar taken from a variety of brightly colored tropical flowers, as well as some small insects.
– Male magnificent hummingbirds produce a loud chipping sound during courtship displays. They can be aggressive and territorial.
– Females build a small cup nest out of plant fibers bonded with spider webs on branches or tree ferns. Two white eggs are laid.
– Considered common in much of its South American range. Not considered globally threatened.
Unique attributes
The magnificent hummingbird is one of the largest members of the hummingbird family Trochilidae in South America. Its relatively large size and long bill allow it to feed on flowers with longer corollas that may be inaccessible to smaller hummingbird species with shorter bills.
This hummingbird displays extremely vibrant plumage, particular around the throat in the males. The iridescent violet-blue throat patch and green crown are eye-catching. When threatened, the males can spread out and erect the feathers of the throat patch to warn off intruders.
The magnificent hummingbird has a faster wingbeat frequency than larger hummingbird species at around 12-15 beats per second. This allows great agility and hovering capability. The wing shape is pointed and narrow.
Male magnificent hummingbirds produce a persistent, high-pitched vocalization described as a rapid chip or tchip sound. They can be aggressively territorial, chasing away other visiting hummingbirds from their preferred nectar sources.
Relations with plants
The magnificent hummingbird is an important pollinator for many flowering plant species across its South American habitat range. Some key flowers it frequents includes:
– Bromeliads (family Bromeliaceae) – Many colorful bromeliad flowers rely on the magnificent hummingbird for pollination. These epiphytic plants grow on trees.
– Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia species) – This exotic, showy flower depends on the magnificent hummingbird for transferring pollen between plants.
– Tobacco plant (Nicotiana species) – Long, tubular tobacco flowers provide nectar for the magnificent hummingbird. In return it pollinates these plants.
– Firecracker plant (Crossandra infundibuliformis) – An ornamental plant pollinated by magnificent hummingbirds accessing the tubular orange flowers.
– Mountain scarlet (Hamelia patens) – Abundant in the magnificent hummingbird’s mountain forest habitat, it exchanges pollen for nectar.
Relations with other species
The magnificent hummingbird has complex relationships with other species that share its habitat:
– Competes with other hummingbird species for food resources. Can be territorial and aggressive around preferred nectar-producing flowers.
– Nests may be predated by birds like toucans and jays. Adults are also eaten by falcons, caracaras and orioles at times.
– Small arthropods like spiders and insects are caught opportunistically for protein. Also feeds on sap from drilled holes on trees.
– Pollination services support diverse tropical plants that provide fruit eaten by other animals higher up the food chain. A keystone species.
– Parasitized by hummingbird-specialized mites like Rhinoseius colpophagus which live in the nasal cavities. Can carry bird lice.
– Seeds dispersed through the forest from fruit-bearing plants it pollinates supports forest regeneration.
Threats and conservation
The magnificent hummingbird remains a fairly common species across its range and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, some threats to its population stability exist:
– Habitat loss from deforestation, agriculture, urbanization and mining developments in South America. Loss of forest areas impacts available food sources.
– Climatic changes may affect the timing of food availability or nesting if floral blooming seasons shift.
– Competition for food resources from honeybees near human habitation areas. Bees deplete nectar sources.
– Tourism and recreational activities may disturb breeding and nesting in some protected habitat areas.
– Collision risks with buildings and towers during migrations or dispersal events.
Conservation actions that would benefit the magnificent hummingbird include habitat protection, responsible ecotourism practices, and adding more green spaces with native plants in developed areas. Monitoring populations for declines is also recommended.
Significance to humans
The magnificent hummingbird interacts with humans in some key ways:
– Highly valued for its beautiful, vibrant plumage colors. Popular in captive breeding and the pet trade.
– Draws ecotourism interest to lodges and reserves within its range in South America. Charismatic species boosts visitor numbers.
– Pollination benefits agriculture. Crosses between commercial tobacco varieties boosted by magnificent hummingbird pollination services.
– Cultural importance for indigenous groups, who often perceive hummingbirds symbolically or as spiritual messengers.
– Inspiration for art, designs, logos and brands. The iconic throat colors and long bill feature in jewelry, clothing, paintings and media.
– Model study subject for scientific research into topics like flight biomechanics, evolutionary biology and pollination ecology.
Conclusion
In summary, the magnificent hummingbird has been renamed Eulampis fulgens under new phylogenetic classifications that better reflect its genetic relationships. This vibrant, green-and-violet hummingbird remains a fairly common and iconic species in South America, where it plays an important ecological role as a pollinator for many plants. While not currently threatened, habitat loss is a concern for the future. The magnificent hummingbird will continue to inspire human fascination with its beauty and aerial agility. Ongoing study of its biology and behavior will further reveal the secrets of its success.
