Buff-tailed Coronet

Boissonneaua flavescens

Valle De Cocora Quindio colombia

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Boissonneaua flavescens
  • Spanish Name: Colibrí colihabano
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Known Nicknames: None
  • Average Length: 11–11.4 cm / 4.3–4.5 in
  • Average Weight: 8.0–8.5 g / 0.28–0.30 oz
  • Wingspan: 14–16 cm / 5.5–6.3 in
  • Key Feature: Buff-colored outer tail feathers and conspicuous white leg puffs
  • Primary Diet: Nectarivore
  • Range: Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and northwest Venezuela
  • Habitat: Humid montane forest, cloud forest, and forest edges
  • Social Structure: Solitary and territorial
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup-shaped nests on horizontal tree branches
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Buff-tailed Coronet (*Boissonneaua flavescens*) is a medium-sized, strikingly iridescent hummingbird native to the humid montane forests of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. This bird is most easily identified by its shimmering emerald-green plumage and its namesake feature: the rich, cinnamon-buff coloration on its outer tail feathers and underwing coverts, which provides a brilliant flash of color against its dark body. A unique and charming behavioral trait of the Buff-tailed Coronet is its habit of briefly holding its wings vertically for a second or two immediately after landing, a "wing-flicking" gesture that beautifully displays those warm buff tones. With a short, straight black bill and a spirited, territorial nature, this energetic bird is a frequent visitor to nectar-rich flowers and feeders, captivating observers with its bold presence and distinctive post-landing ritual.

Fun Facts

A hallmark behavior of this hummingbird is its habit of holding its wings vertically open for a second or two immediately after landing, creating a brief, striking "V" pose before folding them. Known for a surprisingly feisty temperament, it is famously territorial and will aggressively chase away much larger birds from its preferred feeding spots. Its distinctive buff-colored tail feathers provide a vivid contrast to its shimmering green plumage, while its nesting habits involve using sticky spiderwebs to expertly bind moss and lichen into a sturdy cup. These birds are also remarkably resilient high-altitude dwellers, perfectly adapted to the cool, damp conditions of the Andean cloud forests.

Habitats & Distribution

This species is distributed across the northern Andes, spanning from western Venezuela through Colombia to western Ecuador. It primarily occupies humid montane forests and cloud forests, typically residing at elevations between 1,500 and 2,400 meters, though it occasionally descends to 800 meters or ascends as high as 2,800 meters. Within these mountainous regions, it inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of primary forests, as well as forest edges and adjacent clearings with scattered trees. It is particularly associated with moist environments where flowering plants are abundant, maintaining a presence in these high-altitude habitats throughout the year.

Behaviours & Reproduction

Exhibiting a highly territorial and aggressive temperament, they frequently engage in aerial chases to protect preferred nectar sources from both rivals and other species. A characteristic behavioral trait involves holding the wings upright for a second or two immediately upon landing, a gesture that distinguishes them from many other hummingbirds. Socially, they remain solitary throughout the year, interacting with others primarily during territorial disputes or brief mating encounters. Their reproductive strategy is polygynous, with males seeking multiple mates and providing no parental care or nest defense. The female takes full responsibility for the reproductive cycle, constructing a small, cup-shaped nest using moss and lichen bound with spider silk. She typically lays two white eggs and manages all incubation and chick-rearing duties alone until the offspring are ready to fledge.

Diet

The Buff-tailed Coronet primarily sustains itself on the nectar of various tubular flowers, showing a particular preference for species within the Ericaceae and Gesneriaceae families. It employs a combination of foraging strategies, ranging from defending rich floral territories to "trap-lining," where it follows a consistent route between scattered food sources. A distinctive behavioral trait associated with its feeding is the habit of briefly holding its wings vertically above its back for a second or two immediately after landing on a flower or a nearby perch. To supplement its sugar-heavy diet with essential proteins and minerals, this hummingbird also hunts small insects and spiders, which it captures through agile aerial hawking or by gleaning them from the surface of foliage.

Colors

The Buff-tailed Coronet is characterized by shimmering iridescent green plumage across its body, accented by distinctive pale buff or cinnamon-colored tail feathers with dark tips. It features prominent buff underwing coverts visible during its characteristic wing-flicking displays and a small white spot behind each eye. While its brilliant green uppersides provide effective camouflage within Andean cloud forest foliage, the contrasting buff markings serve as striking visual identifiers.