Blue-bearded Helmetcrest
NameBlue-bearded Helmetcrest
Common NameBlue-bearded Helmetcrest
Scientific NameOxypogon cyanolaemus
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)5
Plumage DetailsMales have golden-green upperparts, a prominent golden-buff crest, and a white collar. A metallic blue-violet beard (gorget) is bordered by a rufous-brown band. Underparts are buffy-brown with green flanks. Females lack the crest and beard, having buffy underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of soft, high-pitched chips and squeaks, typical of many hummingbird species.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmountain
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in northern Colombia.
Identifying Featuresgolden-buff crest, white collar, metallic blue-violet beard (male), golden-green upperparts, long straight bill, high-altitude páramo habitat
Description
This medium-sized hummingbird is characterized by its distinctive golden-buff crest and a prominent white collar. Males also display a striking metallic blue-violet beard. It inhabits high-altitude páramo ecosystems.
