Bearded helmetcrest
Genus of birds
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The bearded helmetcrests (Oxypogon) are a genus of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. They are found in Colombia and Venezuela. Primary natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, known as páramo. The genus contains four species.
| Bearded helmetcrest | |
|---|---|
| |
| Green-bearded helmetcrest, Oxypogon guerinii | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Clade: | Strisores |
| Order: | Apodiformes |
| Family: | Trochilidae |
| Tribe: | Lesbiini |
| Genus: | Oxypogon Gould, 1848 |
| Type species | |
| Ornismya guerinii Boissonneau, 1840 | |
| Species | |
|
see text | |
Taxonomy and species list
The genus Oxypogon was introduced in 1848 by the English ornithologist John Gould.[1] The type species was subsequently designated as the green-bearded helmetcrest.[2][3] The genus name combines the Ancient Greek oxus meaning "sharp" or "pointed" with pōgōn meaning "beard".[4]
The genus contains four species:[5]
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-bearded helmetcrest
|
Oxypogon lindenii (Parzudaki, 1845) |
Venezuela |
Size: Habitat: Diet: |
LC
|
| Green-bearded helmetcrest
|
Oxypogon guerinii (Boissonneau, 1840) |
Colombia |
Size: Habitat: Diet: |
LC
|
| Blue-bearded helmetcrest
|
Oxypogon cyanolaemus Salvin & Godman, 1880 |
northern Colombia |
Size: Habitat: Diet: |
CR
|
| Buffy helmetcrest
|
Oxypogon stuebelii Meyer, AB, 1884 |
Colombia |
Size: Habitat: Diet: |
VU
|
.JPG)
These four species were formerly all considered as subspecies of what was known as the bearded helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii). The bearded helmetcrest was split into four separate species based on a study of biometric and plumage data published in 2013.[5][6]
A study of mitochondrial DNA of hummingbirds shows it to be most closely related to the bearded mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis) and the rufous-capped thornbill (Chalcostigma ruficeps). The other member of the genus Chalcostigma lay outside the group, suggesting the genus might need revising in the future.[7]
Description
The most common species, the white-bearded helmetcrest, measures 11.4 cm (4.5 in) in length, it is a small hummingbird with a very small 8 mm (0.31 in) bill. The adult male has a distinctive pointed black crest and a shaggy white beard. The face and cheeks are blackish, rendering a triangular shape with the white fronted crest and white beard. The underparts are a dull green-grey. The female lacks the beard and crest.[8][9]
The species of bearded helmetcrests are found in the Andes, ranging from altitudes of 3,600 to 4,500 m (11,800 to 14,800 ft) in Venezuela,[9] and 3,200 to 5,200 m (10,500 to 17,100 ft) in Colombia.[8] Its main habitat is the páramo, but can descend to the treeline outside of breeding season.[9]
All species often perch on boulders and flit between low-flowering shrubs, visiting the flowers of the genera Espeletia, Echeveria, Siphocampylus, Castilleja and Draba.[9]
All species breed during the rainy season, and nest in the daisy Espeletia or build a nest of material from the daisy in a cliff or bank.[9]