Colorful puffleg facts for kids
The colorful puffleg (Eriocnemis mirabilis) is a very special hummingbird. It is critically endangered, meaning it is in great danger of disappearing forever. This tiny bird lives only in Colombia. Scientists think there are only about 250 to 999 adult birds left in the world.
Quick facts for kids Colorful puffleg |
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Scientific classification | |
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Eriocnemis
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Binomial name | |
Eriocnemis mirabilis |
Discovering the Colorful Puffleg
These amazing birds were first found in 1967. A photographer named John Dunning discovered the colorful puffleg. He was exploring below Cerro Munchique in Colombia. He thought it was such a beautiful bird that he called it a "miraculous bird."
What Does It Look Like?
The male colorful puffleg has a shining green head. Its chest and upper belly are also green. You can see brighter patches of green on its forehead.
Both male and female colorful pufflegs have a bright blue belly. Their tails are a mix of red and yellow. They also have white feet with a light cinnamon brown color on them.
Protecting This Special Bird
The colorful puffleg is critically endangered. This means it needs a lot of help to survive. In 2005, a company called Swarovski donated money. This money helped the American Bird Conservancy and Fundación ProAves. They used the funds to create a special nature reserve. This reserve helps protect the colorful puffleg and its home.