Kingdom Animalia Genus Oxypogon
Gould, 1848 Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Trochilidae Scientific name Oxypogon guerinii Higher classification Oxypogon Order Apodiformes | |
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Similar Buffy helmetcrest, Chalcostigma, Ramphomicron, Haplophaedia, Eriocnemis | ||
Green bearded helmetcrest at chingaza np
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. 4 different species of this genus were recognized in 2014.
Contents
Bearded helmetcrest oxypogon guerinii
Species
The Oxypogon genus was first described by French ornithologist Auguste Boissonneau in 1840. 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.
The most common species, the white-bearded helmetcrest measures 114 mm (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.
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, and 3,200 to 5,200 m (10,500 to 17,100 ft) in Colombia. Its main habitat is the páramo, but can descend to the treeline outside of breeding season.
All species often perch on boulders and flit between low-flowering shrubs, visiting the flowers of the genera Espeletia, Echeveria, Siphocampylus, Castilleja and Draba.
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.