Vervet-purple Coronet

Boissonneaua jardini

km58 Valle Del Cauca Colombia

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Boissonneaua jardini
  • Spanish Name: Colibrí terciopelo
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Known Nicknames: Velvet-purple Coronet
  • Average Length: 11–12.7 cm / 4.3–5 in
  • Average Weight: 8–9 g / 0.28–0.32 oz
  • Wingspan: 14–16 cm / 5.5–6.3 in
  • Key Feature: Iridescent deep-purple and blue plumage with contrasting white underwing patches
  • Primary Diet: Nectarivore (Nectar and small insects)
  • Range: Western Colombia and Northwestern Ecuador (Chocó region)
  • Habitat: Humid montane forests and cloud forest edges
  • Social Structure: Solitary and highly territorial
  • Nesting/Breeding: Cup-shaped nests on horizontal tree branches
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Velvet-purple Coronet (*Boissonneaua jardini*) is a breathtakingly vibrant hummingbird native to the humid cloud forests of the Andean slopes in Colombia and Ecuador. True to its name, this bird possesses a regal appearance, featuring deep, iridescent purple and royal blue plumage on its crown and underparts that can appear almost black until caught by the light. Its back is a shimmering metallic green, providing a stark contrast to its most distinctive "special features": fluffy white leg puffs, or "booties," and flashable white outer tail feathers. Beyond its dazzling colors, the Coronet is known for its bold, territorial temperament and a unique behavioral signature—upon landing, it frequently holds its wings raised vertically for several seconds, a dramatic pose that showcases the brilliant contrast of its underwing colors and asserts its presence within the misty forest canopy.

Faits amusants

The Velvet-purple Coronet is famous for its distinctive "wing-flicking" habit; immediately upon landing, it holds its wings vertically for a brief moment to flash the bright cinnamon-colored feathers hidden underneath. This hummingbird is also notably aggressive, often fearlessly chasing away much larger competitors from its preferred nectar patches. Its plumage exhibits a unique trick of light, appearing almost entirely black until the sun hits it at the perfect angle, revealing a dazzling explosion of iridescent violet, cobalt, and emerald green.

Habitats et répartition

This hummingbird is native to the humid Pacific slopes of the Andes, specifically within the Chocó bioregion. Its geographical range extends from southwestern Colombia into northwestern Ecuador. It is primarily found in wet montane forests and mossy cloud forests, often favoring the mid-to-upper canopy but also appearing along forest edges and within dense secondary growth. The species typically inhabits elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,200 meters, though it occasionally descends to 800 meters. Within these environments, it thrives in high-rainfall zones where epiphytes and flowering shrubs are abundant. It is frequently observed near the interior of dense primary forests, though it will venture into more open clearings and gardens to feed on nectar-rich plants.

Comportements & Reproduction

These hummingbirds are notably aggressive and territorial, frequently defending nectar-rich flowers or feeders from other hummingbirds and even larger insects. Upon landing, they exhibit a characteristic behavior of briefly holding their wings vertically above their bodies for a few seconds before folding them. Their social structure is primarily solitary, with individuals interacting mostly during territorial disputes or brief mating encounters rather than forming stable groups. The species follows a polygynous mating system where males do not form long-term bonds with females or participate in rearing the young. After a brief courtship involving aerial displays, the female independently constructs a compact, cup-shaped nest using moss, lichen, and spider silk, usually positioned on a horizontal branch. She typically lays two eggs and handles all incubation and feeding duties alone, a reproductive strategy that allows the male to focus on defending high-quality feeding territories to attract further mates.

Alimentation

The Velvet-purple Coronet maintains a specialized diet primarily composed of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, including those in the Ericaceae and Gesneriaceae families. It is known for its aggressive foraging behavior, frequently establishing and defending territories around high-quality nectar sources to keep competing hummingbirds at bay. In addition to its reliance on floral sugars, this species is an active insectivore, hunting small arthropods and midges through aerial hawking or by gleaning them from foliage to obtain necessary proteins. An intriguing dietary characteristic is its role as a significant pollinator within its cloud forest habitat, as it moves between specific flower patches, often preferring to feed at mid-level to canopy heights where its favorite tubular blooms are most abundant.

Couleurs

The Velvet-purple Coronet displays shimmering iridescent dark green plumage accented by a brilliant violet-blue crown and throat. It features distinct cinnamon-buff underwings and outer tail feathers that flash during flight, complemented by conspicuous white leg puffs. This metallic coloration provides effective camouflage against the dappled light of its Andean cloud forest habitat.