Buff-tailed Coronet

The Buff-tailed Coronet is a medium-sized Andean hummingbird, predominantly green above and below, with a striking buffy-orange to cinnamon patch across the wing coverts and tail that becomes especially conspicuous when the bird spreads its wings or tail in flight. At rest, the buffy tones are more subdued, but a flash of warm color is often the first clue to its identity as it moves between flowers.

A common and confiding species in Andean cloud forest, it often visits flowering shrubs and feeders at forest lodges, sometimes hovering with the tail flared to reveal the bold buff patches.

Key field marks

• Green body plumage overall
• Bold buffy-orange to cinnamon patch on the wing coverts and outer tail, conspicuous in flight
• Straight, medium-length black bill
• Buff patches most visible when the wings or tail are spread

Similar species

• Chestnut-breasted Coronet has a chestnut breast band and different wing pattern.
• Velvet-purple Coronet shows extensive dark purple plumage, quite different from the largely green Buff-tailed Coronet.

Habitat

Inhabits montane forest edge, cloud forest, and adjacent secondary growth.

Range

Found along the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, with an isolated population in Venezuela.

Migration

Mostly resident, with local altitudinal movement in response to flowering.

Behavior

Active and often confiding, readily visiting flowering shrubs and hummingbird feeders at forest edges and lodges; can be territorial at good nectar sources.

Voice

A series of high, thin chipping and buzzy notes typical of many Andean hummingbirds.

Feeding

Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants and shrubs, and catches small insects in flight.

Nesting

Builds a small cup nest of plant fibers and moss; the female incubates the typical clutch of 2 white eggs alone.