Green-bearded Helmetcrest

Description

Sumapaz National Park, located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, is a vast and unique natural sanctuary renowned for its immense biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. As the largest páramo in the world, Sumapaz is home to a variety of specialized flora and fauna, making it a prime destination for ecotourism, scientific research, and wildlife observation. Its diverse terrain, ranging from rolling hills to wetland areas, provides habitat for many endemic species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The high-altitude páramos, with their cool temperatures and sparse vegetation, offer a remarkable glimpse into one of the planet’s most unique ecosystems.

One of the most captivating species found in Sumapaz is the Green-bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii), an extraordinary hummingbird endemic to Colombia. The Green-bearded Helmetcrest, with its distinct crest and the brilliant green ‘beard’ adorning its throat, is a true marvel of nature, a gem that never fails to enchant birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This hummingbird’s unique beauty is a testament to the wonders of the páramo, a harsh, high-altitude environment where it has evolved to thrive.

The Green-bearded Helmetcrest relies heavily on the frailejón plants that dominate the páramo landscape. These plants provide nectar, the primary food source for the hummingbird, and play a vital role in its survival. The bird’s long, slightly curved bill allows it to extract nectar from the frailejón’s tubular flowers with precision. In addition to nectar, the helmetcrest also supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins. Its foraging behaviour highlights its adaptability to the extreme environment, where food sources can be scarce.

The helmetcrest’s presence in the páramo serves as an indicator of the health of this fragile ecosystem, which is increasingly under threat from human activities, including agriculture and the expansion of rural development.