Green-bearded Helmetcrest
NameGreen-bearded Helmetcrest
Common NameGreen-bearded Helmetcrest
Scientific NameOxypogon guerinii
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)13.5
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)5
Plumage DetailsMales feature a prominent black crest, a white stripe above the eye, a black mask, and a striking iridescent green 'beard' bordered by a white collar. Their upperparts are bronzy-green, and underparts are buffy-brown with white streaking. The tail is dark with white outer rectrices.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet species, vocalizations are typically limited to soft chirps or squeaks, especially when interacting with other hummingbirds or during foraging.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the high-altitude páramo and sub-páramo shrublands of the Eastern Andes of Colombia.
Identifying Featuresprominent black crest, iridescent green beard, white collar, black mask, white stripe above eye, high-altitude habitat
Description
This distinctive high-altitude hummingbird is characterized by its prominent crest and iridescent throat feathers forming a 'beard.' It typically forages for nectar from high-Andean plants and supplements its diet with small insects, often hovering or clinging to vegetation in the páramo.
