Coppery-naped puffleg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coppery-naped puffleg |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Apodiformes |
| Family: | Trochilidae |
| Genus: | Eriocnemis |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
E. l. sapphiropygia
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| Trinomial name | |
| Eriocnemis luciani sapphiropygia Taczanowski, 1874
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| Synonyms | |
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Eriocnemis sapphiropygia |
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The coppery-naped puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani sapphiropygia) is a tiny, colorful hummingbird. It lives high up in the Andes mountains in Peru. This bird is a special type, or subspecies, of the sapphire-vented puffleg.
You can find the coppery-naped puffleg in wet montane forests. These are forests that grow on mountainsides. They prefer the edges of these forests. They live at very high elevations, usually between 2,000 and 4,000 meters (about 6,500 to 13,000 feet) above sea level.
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About the Coppery-naped Puffleg
The coppery-naped puffleg is known for its beautiful feathers. Like other hummingbirds, it has a long, thin beak. This beak helps it drink nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds are amazing fliers. They can hover in one spot and even fly backward!
Where Do They Live?
These pufflegs are found only in the Andes mountains. The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world. They stretch along the western side of South America. The coppery-naped puffleg lives specifically in the Peruvian part of these mountains.
What is a Subspecies?
A subspecies is like a special group within a species. Members of a subspecies are very similar to others in their species. However, they have small differences, often because they live in a different area. The coppery-naped puffleg is a subspecies of the sapphire-vented puffleg. This means they are very closely related.
Their Mountain Home
The high-altitude forests where these birds live are unique. They are often misty and cool. This environment provides special plants and flowers. These plants are the main food source for the coppery-naped puffleg. They rely on nectar for energy.
Conservation Status
The coppery-naped puffleg is currently listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that its population is stable for now. However, like many mountain species, their habitat can be affected by changes in the environment.
Why Protecting Habitats Matters
Protecting the montane forests is very important. These forests are home to many unique plants and animals. When habitats are protected, it helps all the creatures that live there, including the coppery-naped puffleg.
