The rufous crested coquette (Lophornis delattrei) is a small hummingbird found in South America. This species is notable for its bright plumage and long, curved bill adapted for reaching nectar from flowers. Understanding the habitat requirements of the rufous crested coquette provides insights into the ecology and conservation of this unique bird.
Where is the Rufous Crested Coquette Found?
The rufous crested coquette has a relatively limited distribution in South America. Its range includes:
- Southeastern Brazil
- Eastern Paraguay
- Northeastern Argentina
Within this region, the rufous crested coquette can be found in two main habitat types:
Atlantic Forest
The Atlantic Forest is a tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest that extends along the eastern coast of South America. This biodiversity hotspot harbors high numbers of endemic species. The rufous crested coquette primarily occupies the interior and marginal areas of the Atlantic Forest.
Cerrado
The Cerrado is a tropical savanna ecoregion characterized by grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands. The rufous crested coquette inhabits patches of forest and riparian vegetation within the Cerrado landscape.
The species has a patchy distribution within its limited range, with population densities varying across different habitat patches. Overall, the rufous crested coquette has a small global population estimated at just 2,500-9,999 mature individuals.
What Vegetation Types are Found in Rufous Crested Coquette Habitat?
The rufous crested coquette depends on certain vegetation types that provide key resources, including:
Forest
This species preferentially inhabits humid forests, especially gallery and secondary forests. Important tree species in these habitats include figs (Ficus spp.), which provide fruit. Taller forests likely provide more protective cover.
Woodlands
More open woodlands with scattered trees, such as found in ecotones between forest and savanna, are also utilized. Here the coquette visits flowering trees and shrubs.
Forest Edge
Transitional habitat along the edge of forests offers a mix of trees, shrubs, and openings. This supports blooming plants and fruiting trees used by the rufous crested coquette.
Gardens
The species may occasionally forage in gardens with suitable flowers and small fruiting trees. However, gardens alone do not provide adequate habitat.
What is the Climate Like in Rufous Crested Coquette Habitat?
The rufous crested coquette inhabits places with warm, humid climates typical of the tropics and subtropics. Key climatic features include:
- High average temperatures of 20-25°C throughout the year
- Abundant rainfall averaging 1,200-2,500 mm annually
- High humidity
- A mild dry season of 1-2 months
These environmental conditions support the lush vegetation used by the species. The rufous crested coquette’s range is generally frost-free. The bird may make seasonal movements tracking flower resources, though its migratory patterns are poorly understood.
What is the Rufous Crested Coquette’s Elevation Range?
The rufous crested coquette primarily occurs at low to moderate elevations within its range:
- Sea level to 1,000 m
- Occasionally as high as 2,000 m in hill and montane forests
Higher elevation areas tend to support denser, taller forests favored by this species. But most habitat occurs at lower elevations with warmer temperatures.
What Plant Species are Important for the Rufous Crested Coquette?
The rufous crested coquette depends heavily on certain plant species that provide food resources:
Flowering Plants
The coquette drinks nectar from various blooming plants, including:
- Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae family)
- Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
- Passionflowers (Passiflora spp.)
- Coral vine (Antigonon leptopus)
- Firebush (Hamelia patens)
It favors plants with long, tubular red flowers matching its curved bill shape.
Fruiting Trees
Small native trees provide fruit that this species eats, such as:
- Fig trees (Ficus spp.)
- Guavas (Psidium spp.)
- Jaboticaba (Plinia spp.)
These help support the year-round residency of the rufous crested coquette in its habitat.
How Does the Rufous Crested Coquette Use Vertical Habitat Strata?
This small hummingbird utilizes various vertical layers in the habitats where it resides:
Canopy
The rufous crested coquette regularly visits the blooming canopy of taller trees. This provides an important nectar source.
Understory
Flowering vines, shrubs, and smaller trees in the understory also receive visits from feeding coquettes.
Edge Habitat
Forest edges, openings, and gardens with flowers draw in the species.
All Levels
The energetic coquette moves readily among all vertical strata while foraging. This sets it apart from hummingbirds more restricted to lower levels.
How Does the Rufous Crested Coquette Use Habitat Features?
Specific habitat features are important resources for the rufous crested coquette:
Food Sources
Flowers, flowering trees, fruiting trees, and even small arthropods provide essential nutrition for the coquette. Abundant food resources sustain the year-round residents.
Perches
The species uses low perches while feeding and resting, favoring small bare branches. These allow easy take-off and landing.
Nest Sites
Nests are built on thin horizontal branches, often overhanging water. Nest construction begins in October through January.
Water
Proximity to small forest streams provides drinking water and increases food plant density. The rufous crested coquette bathes regularly in droplets on vegetation.
How Does Habitat Availability Affect the Rufous Crested Coquette?
The availability and quality of habitat strongly impacts this sensitive species:
- Fragmentation of forest habitat due to clearing for agriculture, logging, and development threatens populations.
- Conversion of native vegetation to exotic species reduces food plants.
- Degradation from grazing changes understory plant composition.
- Climate change may alter temperature, rainfall, and flowering cycles.
Habitat loss and disturbance reduce population numbers. Ongoing protection of remaining intact habitat is critical for the conservation of the rufous crested coquette.
Conclusion
The rare rufous crested coquette is a habitat specialist, relying on humid forest ecosystems within its restricted South American range. Key habitat resources include flowering and fruiting plants, vertical stratification, perches, water sources, and nesting sites. This species serves as an indicator of forest ecosystem health. Conservation of remaining high quality habitat can help secure the future of the vibrant rufous crested coquette.
