The black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis) is a species of hummingbird found exclusively in Ecuador and Colombia. This striking bird gets its name from its puffy white leg feathers and the black plumage on its undersides. The black-breasted puffleg is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring around 10-12 cm in length. It has an emerald green back, white underparts, and a bright reddish-orange bill. The male has a black throat and breast band that gives this species its name. The female lacks this distinctive black coloration on her undersides.
The black-breasted puffleg has an extremely limited range, found only in a few isolated pockets of cloud forest and elfin forest in the Andes Mountains. Its total global population is estimated at just 2500-9999 mature individuals. Due to declining numbers and habitat loss, the black-breasted puffleg is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Protecting remaining habitat and limiting threats will be crucial for the continued survival of this rare hummingbird.
Geographic Range
The black-breasted puffleg occupies a highly restricted range in northwestern South America. Its entire global distribution is confined to just a few remote mountain forests in Ecuador and Colombia.
Ecuador
In Ecuador, the black-breasted puffleg is found only on the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Its range is centered around the Intag River valley in Imbabura Province. A few small populations have also been recorded in Carchi and Pichincha Provinces.
The Intag region where most Ecuadorian populations occur is remote and isolated. It encompasses steep mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from around 1200-3700 m above sea level. The area is characterized by lush cloud forests and elfin forests that create prime habitat for the black-breasted puffleg.
Colombia
Across the border in Colombia, the black-breasted puffleg has an even smaller range. It is restricted to just a couple protected reserves in the department of Nariño.
These include La Planada Reserve and Santuario de Fauna y Flora Galeras in the Cordillera Occidental. As in Ecuador, the species frequents montane evergreen forests and elfin woodlands at elevations of 1800-3300 m.
Total Range
In total, the black-breasted puffleg inhabits an area of less than 5,000 km2. Its global range is estimated at just 120 km from north to south and 60 km from east to west.
This makes it one of the most range-restricted bird species in the world. Its tiny isolated populations face serious threats from deforestation and climate change. Protecting its remaining fragmented habitat is crucial for this endangered species.
Habitat and Ecology
The black-breasted puffleg lives exclusively in mature montane cloud forests and elfin forests. These rare habitat types provide the specific ecological resources needed by this species.
Cloud Forests
Humid cloud forests are the primary habitat of the black-breasted puffleg. These forests form in the cool elevated environments of tropical mountains. At altitudes of 1500-3000 m, frequent cloud cover and mist maintain constantly wet conditions. The wet weather supports lush vegetation and an abundance of epiphytes and mosses.
Cloud forests have high levels of biodiversity and endemism. Many rare hummingbirds like the black-breasted puffleg specialize in this habitat. The flowers, lichens, and insects in these forests provide essential food resources.
Elfin Forests
At higher elevations of 2800-3700 m, elfin forests (also called mossy forests) provide prime habitat. These stunted forests form above the tree line, with small trees and shrubs adapted to harsh conditions. Though elfin forests are lower in plant diversity than cloud forests, they support many unique species.
In both forest types, the black-breasted puffleg favors areas with plenty of flowering plants. It forages in the mid-levels and canopy of the forest. The presence of certain plant families like Ericaceae provides its preferred nectar sources.
Foraging and Feeding
The black-breasted puffleg feeds on nectar from many forest flowers. Some key food sources include plants from the families Bromeliaceae, Ericaceae, and Gesneriaceae. It uses its specialized long bill to reach nectar at the base of long tubular flowers.
This species also hawks small insects to obtain essential proteins. By foraging at all vertical levels of its mountain forest habitat, the black-breasted puffleg makes full use of available food resources.
Breeding
The breeding behavior of the black-breasted puffleg is not well studied. Like most hummingbirds, the male likely establishes a territory with flowering plants that is used for courtship. Pairs probably breed between March and August during the dry season.
The female builds a delicate cup nest on a low branch or tree fern. She raises one or two chicks on her own. The nests and breeding habits of this endangered species deserve more scientific study.
Conservation Status and Threats
The black-breasted puffleg is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is estimated at only 2500-9999 mature individuals and continues to decline.
Due to its tiny geographic range and ongoing habitat loss, the black-breasted puffleg faces a high risk of extinction. Urgent conservation actions are needed to protect remaining populations.
Habitat Loss
The greatest threat facing the black-breasted puffleg is accelerating destruction of its cloud forest habitat. Deforestation for logging, cattle grazing, agriculture, and mining is devastating its fragmented range. In Ecuador, only 10% of historical cloud forests remain.
With its specialized habitat needs, the black-breasted puffleg cannot survive in degraded forests. Continued habitat loss will push this Endangered hummingbird towards extinction.
Climate Change
Climate change poses another major threat to the black-breasted puffleg’s limited habitat. As temperatures increase, cloud forests are shifting higher in elevation and shrinking in area. Drying conditions could further threaten cloud formation that is vital to these ecosystems.
A warmer climate could also affect the puffleg’s food sources. Any disruption in timing between the bird’s breeding cycle and flowering of key forest plants could be disastrous. Protecting large intact forest areas will give species like the black-breasted puffleg the best chance in a changing climate.
Small Population Size
With just a few thousand remaining individuals, the black-breasted puffleg is inherently vulnerable due to its tiny population. Small populations are at greater risk of inbreeding, disease, and random events that could lead to sudden decline. Protecting multiple habitat areas with healthy populations is important to ensure the puffleg’s genetic resilience.
Conservation Actions Needed
Protecting the last intact forests in its range is the most urgent priority to save the black-breasted puffleg. Expanding reserves, national parks, and protected areas could secure vital habitat. Reforestation of degraded areas would also expand available habitat.
Sustainable management of forests on private lands, including shade-grown coffee plantations, can provide habitat connectivity. Ecotourism may fund conservation incentives in local communities. Continued research, monitoring, and public education are also essential. With dedicated effort, the precarious future of the black-breasted puffleg can be secured.
Conclusion
The rare black-breasted puffleg has a tiny isolated range in endangered montane forests of the Andes. With extensive deforestation, this unique hummingbird is now at great risk of extinction. Its specialized habitat and feeding needs cannot be met anywhere else on Earth.
Concerted conservation action to protect remaining cloud forests is urgently needed for the black-breasted puffleg. This includes habitat restoration, park expansion, community forest management, and climate change mitigation. By taking action now, we can save the black-breasted puffleg and many other endangered species that depend on these vanishing mountain forests. The fate of this extraordinary hummingbird is in our hands.
