Purple-backed Sunbeam
Aglaeactis aliciae
Blotchy hummingbird restricted to a tiny, remote area in the Andes of northern Peru. Plumage is bronzy-brown with irregular white patches on the face, throat, and belly, and white teardrop-shaped spots on breast. Adult male has an iridescent purple and green lower back, but this is indistinct or lacking on females and younger birds.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Aglaeactis aliciae
- Authority
- Salvin, 1896
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Genus
- Aglaeactis
Range and habitat
The purple-backed sunbeam is known to live in the temperate zone (2,900-3,500 m) where plant life consists of mountain shrubs and Alnus trees. It feeds on mistletoe alders and other trees, such as Tristerix longebrachteatum, and in patches of flowering uñico, Oreocallis grandiflora. It has also recently been reported to feed and settle in the newly introduced Eucalyptus trees, however, the species' level of tolerance of Eucalyptus plantations (specifically as breeding habitat) is yet to be determined. There are no definite conservation procedures for the purple-backed sunbeam. Additional research is needed to examine the species’ ecological requirements, so that the suitability of Eucalyptus plantations can be assessed.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Madagascar Partridge
Margaroperdix madagarensis
Dark, chunky, medium-sized ground-dwelling bird. Distinctive male has a complex and beautiful pattern, while female is plainer and browner. Widespread in open habitats, most often grassland. Shy and inconspicuous; usually seen when explosively flushing from thick cover. Strangely quiet, which is unusual for a partridge. Found in similar habitats to quail and buttonquail, but much larger. When flushing, Madagascar Partridge has louder wings and more powerful flight.
Ultramarine Kingfisher
Todiramphus leucopygius
A distinctive medium-sized blue-and-white kingfisher with a prominent dark mask, blue crown, bright white neck and underparts, blue wings and back, and reddish undertail. Male has a white rump. Found in primary and secondary forest up to 2000 meters of elevation, often on forest edge. Combination of extensive dark mask and red undertail are diagnostic. Voice is a loud, attention-grabbing “kidek-kidek-kidek.”
Collared Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron yersini
Halloween-themed laughingthrush: decked out in black, gray, and orange. Combination of black head, silver ear patch, orange neck and breast, and multicolored wings are unmistakable in range. Bizarrely reminiscent in patterning of much smaller Silver-eared Mesia and Golden-breasted Fulvetta. Inhabits mid- to high-altitude forests, where it rummages around in the understory in small groups. Makes an odd rising, screaming yodel that sounds strangely like the call of an Indian Peafowl.
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