Mexican woodnymph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mexican woodnymph |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eupherusa
|
| Species: |
ridgwayi
|
The Mexican woodnymph (Eupherusa ridgwayi) is a beautiful type of hummingbird. It is found only in western Mexico. These tiny birds live in warm, wet forests and plantations. They mostly eat flower nectar and small insects. Sadly, Mexican woodnymphs are considered vulnerable. Their homes are being destroyed by deforestation.
Contents
About the Mexican Woodnymph
For a while, the Mexican woodnymph was grouped with other hummingbirds called 'woodnymphs'. This group was known as Thalurania. But in 2014, scientists used special studies to look at their DNA. They found that the Mexican woodnymph was actually more closely related to birds in the genus Eupherusa. Because of this, it was moved to the Eupherusa group. This means it is now considered part of the Eupherusa family. There are no different types or subspecies of the Mexican woodnymph.
What They Look Like
Mexican woodnymphs are small birds. They are usually about 9 to 10 centimeters (around 3.5 to 4 inches) long. Female woodnymphs weigh about 3.5 grams. Males are a little heavier, weighing from 3.5 to 4.2 grams.
Male Woodnymphs
Male Mexican woodnymphs have a straight, black beak. Their bodies are mostly green. They have a dull green chest. Their tail is blue-black and looks forked, like a 'V' shape. A special feature of the male is its bright indigo, or deep blue-purple, crown on its head.
Female Woodnymphs
Female woodnymphs are similar to males in color. They are mostly green. Their tail and wings are a darker green. They have a light gray chest. Unlike the males, females do not have the indigo crown. Instead, they have a white spot right behind their eyes. They also have green disks on the sides of their chest.
Their Sounds
Mexican woodnymphs make a special sound. It is an irregular series of 2 to 4 quick notes. Their call has also been described as a "liquid rattle."
Where They Live
Mexican woodnymphs live only in the northern mountains of western Mexico. You can find them in the states of Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima. They do not migrate. This means they stay in their small home range all year long. They are the northernmost species in their genus.
Their Home Environment
Scientists do not know all the specific details about what Mexican woodnymphs need in their habitat. However, we do know they live in humid forests. They can also be found in canyons and foothills. They prefer elevations between 250 and 1200 meters (about 820 to 3,900 feet). They live in both dense forests and more open woodlands. Sometimes, they can even be found in coffee plantations.
Their Behavior
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Mexican woodnymphs usually breed in February and March. Males and females look different, which is called sexual dimorphism. It is thought that female hummingbirds choose their mates based on the male's feather colors and how they are arranged. This leads to males having many different bright colors and looks.
What They Eat
Mexican woodnymphs are nectivores and insectivores. This means they eat both nectar and insects. They primarily feed on the sweet nectar from many types of flowering plants. These include plants from the Rubiaceae and Zingiberaceae families. They also get nectar from epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants. Besides nectar, they also eat small bugs called arthropods. They catch these insects in the air or pick them off plants.
Why They Are Vulnerable
Mexican woodnymphs are listed as a vulnerable species. This is mainly because of habitat loss. Their home range is very small. This means they depend a lot on the health of the forests in western Mexico. Sadly, deforestation is a big threat to these forests. When trees are cut down, the woodnymphs lose their homes. It is hard to protect this species because there is not much information about their specific habitat needs or their natural history. More research is needed to help save these unique hummingbirds.
