Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer

The Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, a hummingbird of the emeralds tribe, is a shimmering spectacle of nature. This avian jewel measures between 10.5 to 12 cm in length, with males slightly heavier at around 7.1 grams compared to the females' 6.1 grams. Both sexes boast a black maxilla and mandible tip, with the remainder of the mandible ranging from dull pink to dark red.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the nominate subspecies are adorned with metallic green upperparts and a glittering green underbelly, complemented by long, fluffy white undertail coverts and a bronze-green tail. Females, while also metallic green above, present a contrasting gray below with green flecks on the sides, grayish white undertail coverts, and outer tail feathers tipped with gray. Immature birds mirror adults but with buffy to cinnamon fringes on their crown, nape, and rump feathers.

Habitat

The Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer thrives in the interior and edges of humid forests, mature secondary forests, and semi-open landscapes such as banana plantations and gardens, avoiding open areas.

Distribution

This species is found across a range of countries, from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, to Panama, with varying elevations from sea level up to 900 meters in Colombia.

Behaviour

Local seasonal movements have been observed in the northernmost subspecies, C. u. melanorrhoa, likely in search of flowering plants. The extent of movements in other subspecies remains a mystery.

Feeding

A nectar forager, the Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer frequents the understory to mid-strata and occasionally the sub-canopy for epiphytes. It shows a particular affinity for Heliconia flowers and defends rich nectar sources with vigor. It also supplements its diet with small arthropods, employing both hawking and gleaning techniques.

Breeding

In Costa Rica, breeding occurs from December to June, peaking between February and April. The nest, a deep cup of plant down and fibers secured with spiderweb and adorned with moss and lichen, is typically placed in a shrub near water or trails.

Song & Calls

The Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer's vocal repertoire includes a soft, nasal, scratchy trill, a descending chattering trill during chases, and loud "chup" and "chip" notes.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer as Least Concern, though its population is believed to be decreasing. Despite significant habitat loss in Central America, it remains locally common in many sites.

Similar Species

The species is closely related to the White-vented Plumeleteer, with which it shares its genus. Subspecies melanorrhoa and isaurae have been proposed as separate species due to their distinct coloration and geographical distribution.

Diet and Feeding

The Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer's diet consists primarily of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, including Heliconia, Renealmia, Costus, Psychotria, Malvaviscus, Acanthaceae, and Inga. It also consumes small arthropods to supplement its nectar intake.