Many-spotted Hummingbird
Taphrospilus hypostictus
Large hummingbird of Andean cloud forest. Ranges along the east slope of the Andes from far southern Colombia south to Bolivia. Sexes similar. Note white spot behind eye and white underparts boldly spotted with green. Similar to female Violet-fronted Brilliant but lacks blue forehead and white mustache stripe. Generally scarce but visits feeders in some areas.
Identification
The many-spotted hummingbird is 10.5 to 11.4 cm (4.1 to 4.5 in) long and weighs 6.7 to 9 g (0.24 to 0.32 oz). Both sexes have a slightly decurved black bill about 2.3 cm (0.91 in) long, and their plumage is very similar. Adults' upperparts are grass green to coppery bronze and the underparts white. The underparts except the central belly are thickly spotted with green, the female's somewhat less heavily. Their tail is blue-green with dusky gray tips to the feathers. Juveniles are the same with the addition of buffy fringes on the head feathers.
Taxonomy
The many-spotted hummingbird is the only member of genus Taphrospilus and has no subspecies. However, some authors have placed it in genus Talaphorus which others merged into Leucippus.
- Scientific name
- Taphrospilus hypostictus
- Authority
- (Gould, 1862)
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Genus
- Taphrospilus
Range and habitat
The many-spotted hummingbird's primary range is the eastern slope of the Andes from Ecuador's Napo Province through eastern Peru into central Bolivia. It has also been documented in southern Colombia. The International Ornithological Committee places it Brazil and the Clements taxonomy in Argentina. However, the South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society has no records from Brazil; undocumented sight records from Argentina lead the committee to list it as hypothetical in that country.<p>The many-spotted hummingbird inhabits the interior and edges of humid foothill and subtropical forest, favoring small ravines. In elevation it mostly ranges between 400 and 1,500 m (1,300 and 4,900 ft) but has been found as high as 2,800 m (9,200 ft) in Peru. It is most numerous around 600 m (2,000 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Moss-backed Tanager
Bangsia edwardsi
Peculiar tanager found in Andean cloud forest in northwestern Ecuador and western Colombia. Plumage is olive with a yellow spot on breast, blue wings, and a distinctive blue and black pattern on the head. Sexes look alike, but younger birds show little or no yellow on the breast. Found in middle to upper forest levels, and may perch in one place for long periods. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks, and visits feeders in at least one area.
Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher
Cyornis nicobaricus
A plump flycatcher with brown upperparts, whitish underparts, and warm brown flanks. Note the pale feet and the large, bicolored bill with a hooked tip. Restricted to the forests of the Nicobar Islands, where it makes sallies for insects from low perches. Song said to be a rapid series of loud, melodic whistles ending with a soft, short “trrr.”
Gray-breasted Seedsnipe
Thinocorus orbignyianus
Stocky, rather small, quail-like bird of the Andes. Favors open rocky slopes, stony plains, and adjacent bogs. Found in pairs or small groups. Male has hooting song given from low mounds or fence posts and during display flight. Flight is strong and fast; flushes with loud bleating chatters. Similar Least Seedsnipe is smaller, favors sandier and grassier habitats, and often occurs in lowlands. Note plain gray breast of male Gray-breasted unlike the black Y pattern present on Least Seedsnipe.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.