Standing out in the avian world with its distinctive appearance, the Buffy Helmetcrest is indeed a remarkable creature. This remarkable bird, part of the hummingbird family, stands out even among its kind. It is notably large for its species, making it an intriguing subject of fascination for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
One of its most striking features is the impressive mohawk-like crest adorning its head, which is quite unique among hummingbirds. This crest gives the Buffy Helmetcrest its name and contributes to its unmistakable appearance. But what truly captivates observers is the bird’s stunning, fluorescent green and blue beard.
The Buffy Helmetcrest’s vibrant beard is a sight to behold. It serves as a remarkable example of nature’s vivid coloration. The combination of brilliant green and deep blue hues creates a striking contrast against its sleek black body, making it a spectacle for anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this avian wonder.
Photo Courtesy of Félix Uribe / CC BY-SA 2.0
The buffy helmetcrest (Oxypogon stuebelii) measures 11.2 to 12.7 c, (4.4 to 5.0 inches) in length. The male wears a long buffy and black crest atop a mostly black head framed by a buffy-white collar. Upper parts are a bronzy green, while a thin somewhat sparkly green and blue gorget hangs from his chin. The rest of his underparts are grayish bronze fading to cinnamon-buff on the under tail coverts. He has a longish tail that ends in a fork. His upper sides are coppery to bronzy green with the outer feathers showing a wide white stripe. Undersides are rufous with pale cinnamon.
Photo Courtesy Gary Leavens / CC BY-SA 2.0
Females look very much like their male counterparts, however, they lack the crest and the beard, with their underparts rufous to buff or brown with greenish flecks.
Juvenile birds tend to resemble the adult female, with males having a partial crest and beard.
Photo Courtesy of Félix Uribe / CC BY-SA 2.0
These birds are found in and endemic to Colombia.
Photo Courtesy of Félix Uribe / CC BY-SA 2.0
These birds like to live between 3,000 and 5,200 meters in altitude on Nevado del Ruiz, an active volcano in the Colombian Central Ande in the páramo ecosystem with an abundance of frailejones (Espeletia hartwegiana).
Photo Courtesy of Félix Uribe / CC BY-SA 2.0
The Buffy helmetshrike feeds on nectar and insect larvae mainly on Espeletia schultzii flowers. It perches on flowers using its tail for support, and also perches on the ground to catch arthropods, or uses perches to hunt insects while on the wing.
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Unfortunately, nothing has been documented on the breeding habits of the Buffy helmetcrest.
The IUCN has assessed the buffy helmetcrest as Vulnerable. It has a very small range, and though much of that area is within Los Nevados National Park, its páramo habitat elsewhere is being rapidly degraded.
Photo (cropped) Courtesy of Juan José Arango / CC BY-SA 2.0
Its population is estimated at under 1000 mature individuals and is believed to be decreasing.
Photo Courtesy of Félix Uribe / CC BY-SA 2.0