Definition
The buff-tailed coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae, native to the montane forests of the northern Andes in South America.
Overview
The buff-tailed coronet inhabits cloud forests and elfin woodlands at elevations typically ranging from 1,800 to 3,200 m above sea level. It is a small, nectar‑feeding bird that frequents the understory and mid‑level canopy, often hovering at flowering plants such as those of the genera Erica, Baccharis, and Siphocampylus. The species is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Least Concern, although its habitat is subject to ongoing pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Etymology/Origin
The generic name Boissonneaua honors the French botanist and explorer Pierre Boissonneau (1805–1852). The specific epithet flavescens derives from Latin, meaning “becoming yellow” or “yellowish,” referring to the bird’s buff‑colored tail feathers. The common name “buff-tailed coronet” describes the distinctive buff (pale brown‑yellow) coloration of the tail and the bird’s crown, which bears a small, crown‑like crest reminiscent of a coronet.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Total length 10–12 cm; weight approximately 4–5 g. |
| Plumage | Males possess a glossy green dorsal surface, a bright orange throat, and a rufous to buff‑colored tail with a slightly forked shape. The crown bears a modest, slightly upturned crest of iridescent emerald feathers. Females are generally duller, with a more uniform green upperparts and a less pronounced crest; tail coloration is similarly buff but with broader white edges. |
| Bill | Straight, medium‑length, slightly decurved; black to dark brown, adapted for extracting nectar from a variety of tubular flowers. |
| Vocalizations | A series of high‑pitched, rapid chirps and soft trills, often delivered while feeding or during territorial displays. |
| Behavior | Primarily solitary and territorial; males defend feeding territories against conspecifics and other nectarivores. Displays include hovering flights and rapid wingbeats accompanied by vocalizations. Breeding season varies with altitude but generally occurs during the local rainy period. Nests are cup‑shaped structures constructed from moss, lichens, and spider silk, typically affixed to the underside of a leaf or small branch. |
| Diet | Nectar from a range of understory and mid‑story flowers; also consumes small insects and arthropods captured by hawking from perches. |
Related Topics
- Trochilidae – The hummingbird family, encompassing over 300 species worldwide.
- Andean cloud forest – The primary habitat of the buff-tailed coronet, characterized by persistent low‑level cloud cover and high biodiversity.
- Coronet hummingbirds – A group of hummingbird species within the genera Boissonneaua and Lophornis noted for their crown‑like feather structures.
- Conservation in the Andes – Ongoing efforts to preserve montane forest ecosystems that support species such as the buff-tailed coronet.
Note: The information presented reflects current scientific consensus as of 2026. Where data are limited, the description is based on verified observational records and taxonomic literature.