Rufous-capped Thornbill
NameRufous-capped Thornbill
Common NameRufous-capped Thornbill
Scientific NameChalcostigma ruficeps
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)4
Plumage DetailsMales have a bright rufous crown, a dark mask through the eye, and a brilliant iridescent green to blue-green gorget. Upperparts are olive-green, and underparts are dull buffy-brown, often with some green scaling on the flanks. The tail is dark and slightly forked. Females are similar but may have a less extensive or duller gorget.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically include high-pitched, thin 'tsit' or 'tsee' notes, often given in a rapid series, and a soft, trilling 'trrr' sound.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, forest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes mountains of southern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northwestern Bolivia, typically at elevations between 2,000 and 3,700 meters.
Identifying FeaturesRufous crown, Iridescent green-blue gorget, Straight, short black bill, Small size, Olive-green upperparts
Description
The Rufous-capped Thornbill is a small hummingbird characterized by its distinctive rufous crown and iridescent green-blue gorget. It inhabits high-altitude shrublands and forest edges in the Andes, feeding primarily on nectar while also catching small insects.
