HUMMINGBIRD SPECIES

Viridian Metaltail

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Metallura williami

The Viridian Metaltail is a short-billed hummingbird found near tree line in the high Andes.

It is a medium-sized hummingbird, about 4.33 – 4.72 inches long.

Males are deep green with a dark and sometimes glittering throat patch.

Females are similar but lack the throat patch and are scaled buff or rufous below.

Tail color varies geographically; it can be green or blue, and it can even show a bit of rufous on top.

Feeds on nectar, mainly on Ericaceae and Melastomataceae shrubs. Hovers when foraging.

Subtropical or tropical moist montane forest and subtropical or tropical high- altitude grassland.

Colombia and Ecuador.

The nest is placed on the ground on roots and in rocky niches clad with mosses and lichens. The female lays 2 eggs.

SOURCES:
https://ebird.org
https://www.birdforum.net
https://en.wikipedia.org