The male blue throated mountain gem is a rare and beautiful bird found in the high altitude regions of the Andes mountains in South America. Known for its brilliant blue throat patch and melodious song, this elusive species has captivated ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will explore the identification, distribution, diet, breeding habits, conservation status and other key facts about the male blue throated mountain gem. Discover what makes this bird so special and why it is considered one of the most prized avian jewels of the Andes.
Identification
The most striking feature of the adult male blue throated mountain gem is the iridescent cobalt blue patch on its throat. When illuminated by sunlight, this patch glows radiantly. The rest of the plumage is mostly metallic green on the upperparts and grayish white on the underparts. The female lacks the bright blue throat patch and is duller overall in appearance.
Other identifying features include:
- Size: Approximately 6.5 inches long
- Shape: Small, compact body with a short, thin bill and short, rounded wings
- Color: Metallic green upperparts, white underparts with blue throat (male)
- Song: High-pitched descending trill
The blue throated mountain gem bears some resemblance to other hummingbirds, but the brilliant blue throat is diagnostic of the male. Females and juveniles can be harder to differentiate. When in doubt, listen for their unique vocalization.
Distribution
The blue throated mountain gem is endemic to a small region of the South American Andes mountains. Its breeding range is limited to remote highland areas over 9,800 feet in elevation in southeastern Peru, western Bolivia and far northern Chile and Argentina.
Within this range, it occupies montane forest, elfin woodland, and alpine scrub habitats on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The birds migrate downhill to lower elevations in the winter but generally do not travel far from their breeding grounds.
Exact population sizes are unknown but the blue throated mountain gem has a limited global distribution and is considered rare throughout its range.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, the blue throated mountain gem feeds on flower nectar and small insects. Its specialized tubular tongue allows it to drink nectar while hovering in front of flowers. Preferred nectar sources include colorful montane blooms such as:
- Fuchsia
- Firebush
- Red passionflower
- Angel’s trumpet
The male aggressively defends flower patches in its breeding territory from other hummingbirds. It also hawks small insects like flies, spiders and gnats to obtain protein.
Breeding
The breeding season for blue throated mountain gems runs from April to June. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in looping U-shaped patterns to attract the attention of females. Once paired, the female builds a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers and spider webs, camouflaging it on a rock ledge or tree branch.
She lays just two very small white eggs. Only the female incubates the eggs, for about 16-18 days. Once hatched, the chicks are fed regurgitated nectar and insects by the female. They fledge within 20-22 days, gaining independence very rapidly.
Conservation Status
Due to its specialized high elevation habitat and small population, the blue throated mountain gem is considered globally Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss from land conversion and climate change pose the biggest threats. Some illegal trapping for the pet trade also occurs.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining montane forest habitat and studying the birds to better understand their ecology and distribution. Ecotourism, when responsibly managed, can also bring awareness and funding to support conservation in local communities.
Interesting Facts
Here are some additional interesting facts about the dazzling male blue throated mountain gem:
- The blue coloration comes from unique feather structures that refract light, not from pigments.
- To attract females, males fly in flashy hover-glide displays, reaching speeds of 25 mph.
- They have unusually short legs that provide little help when walking. They primarily fly and perch.
- At night, they enter a state of torpor to conserve energy in the cold.
- High-pitched chirps are used to communicate between mates and defend territory.
The blue throated mountain gem has captivated people with its beauty for ages, as evidenced by its prominence in indigenous Andean mythology and handicrafts. Still shrouded in mystery, scientists have much more to learn about this elusive hummingbird and its habitat needs in order to ensure its future in the Andes. With appropriate conservation action, these mountain jewels will hopefully continue to glisten for centuries to come.
Conclusion
The brilliance of the male blue throated mountain gem makes it a jewel of the Andean skies. While relatively unknown due to its remote habitat, this rare hummingbird deserves protection to preserve its unique biodiversity value. By studying its ecology and implementing habitat conservation, we can better understand and accommodate the needs of this and other sensitive high elevation bird species. The blue throated mountain gem highlights the fragile interdependence between birds and their environments, reminding us to tread lightly even in the most remote wilderness.