Buff-thighed Puffleg
NameBuff-thighed Puffleg
Common NameBuff-thighed Puffleg
Scientific NameEriocnemis luciani
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)4.5
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent green upperparts, a glittering emerald-green throat and breast, often with a violet-blue band below the throat. Females are similar but duller, lacking the glittering throat. Both sexes possess distinctive buff-colored feather tufts on their thighs and a dark, forked tail.
Vocalization / CallDescribed as a soft, repeated 'tsip' or 'tseet' and a high-pitched, rapid 'tchip-tchip-tchip' when agitated.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes of southern Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru.
Identifying FeaturesBuff-colored thigh tufts, Iridescent green plumage, Straight black bill, White post-ocular spot, Forked dark tail
Description
A medium-sized hummingbird characterized by its glittering green plumage, straight black bill, and most notably, the prominent buff-colored feather tufts on its thighs. It is typically found foraging for nectar in the understory and edges of high-altitude Andean cloud forests.
