Indigo Flowerpiercer
NameIndigo Flowerpiercer
Common NameIndigo Flowerpiercer
Scientific NameDiglossa indigotica
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)11
Plumage DetailsEntirely glossy indigo-blue plumage, appearing almost black in poor light but brilliant blue in good light. It has striking bright red eyes. The bill is black, slender, and slightly upturned with a hooked tip.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of high-pitched, thin, sibilant notes, often a 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'tsip-tsip-tsip' repeated. Calls include thin 'tseet' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the western Andes of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.
Identifying FeaturesBrilliant indigo-blue plumage, Striking red eyes, Slender, upturned black bill with a hooked tip, Small size, Behavior of piercing flower bases for nectar
Description
A small, striking bird known for its brilliant indigo-blue plumage and bright red eyes. It forages actively in the understory and mid-story of humid montane forests, often seen piercing the bases of flowers to access nectar.
