Coppery Metaltail
Metallura theresiae
Order: Apodiformes / Family: Trochilidae
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About the Coppery Metaltail
The Coppery Metaltail (Metallura theresiae) is a small hummingbird species renowned for its vivid metallic plumage and ecological significance in the Andean cloud forests. Found primarily in Peru, this bird plays a crucial role in pollination, as it visits numerous flowering plants for nectar. Its presence in the high-altitude forests, often between 2,800 and 3,600 meters, underscores its adaptation to rugged terrains and thin air. This species exhibits seasonal altitudinal movements, often descending to lower elevations during colder months to find more abundant food resources. The Coppery Metaltail, with its vibrant coppery-bronze and iridescent green coloration, stands as a symbol of the rich biodiversity found in Andean ecosystems. The bird's reliance on specific habitats makes it a key indicator of environmental health, and it contributes significantly to the ecological balance by aiding in the reproduction of various plant species. Additionally, due to its specialized habitat requirements and limited range, the Coppery Metaltail is an important species for conservationists focusing on montane environments. The bird's presence in fragmented forest patches emphasizes the need for habitat preservation and restoration efforts to ensure its survival. As a year-round resident of the Andes, the Coppery Metaltail's habits and movements are intimately tied to the flowering cycles of local flora, a relationship that highlights the interconnectedness of avian and plant life in these high-altitude ecosystems.
The Coppery Metaltail belongs to the family Trochilidae, within the order Apodiformes. These birds typically live average 5 years with a maximum recorded of 7 years.
How to Identify a Coppery Metaltail
The adult Coppery Metaltail is easily recognizable by its brilliant copper and green plumage, which shimmers in the sunlight. Males exhibit slightly more vibrant colors than females, with a more pronounced iridescent gorget. Juveniles tend to have more subdued coloration, lacking the full metallic sheen of adults. Both sexes feature a straight, slender bill adapted for nectar feeding. In flight, the bird's silhouette is characterized by rapid wingbeats and a slightly forked tail, typical of hummingbirds. Perched, the Coppery Metaltail holds an upright posture, often seen clinging to slender twigs or hovering near flowers. Compared to similar species, such as the Black Metaltail, this bird is distinct due to its brighter coloration and more restricted geographical range.
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Coppery Metaltail Habitat and Range
Preferred Habitat
The Coppery Metaltail thrives in montane cloud forests, particularly those found in the Peruvian Andes. These habitats are characterized by dense vegetation and high humidity, providing ample food resources and nesting sites. Typically found at elevations ranging from 2,800 to 3,600 meters, this bird occasionally moves to lower altitudes during colder seasons. Unlike species that easily adapt to urban settings, the Coppery Metaltail remains largely dependent on pristine forest environments, underscoring the importance of conserving these natural landscapes.
Geographic Range
Endemic to Peru, the Coppery Metaltail's range is confined to the high Andes, particularly in the regions of Huánuco and Pasco. This bird does not undertake long migrations, instead engaging in altitudinal movements to access food and breeding sites. While its range is limited, within these areas it is relatively widespread, particularly in undisturbed forest areas. The species' restricted range makes it especially vulnerable to habitat loss, emphasizing the need for localized conservation efforts.
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What Does the Coppery Metaltail Eat?
Primarily a nectar feeder, the Coppery Metaltail favors the flowers of high-altitude shrubs and trees. Its diet includes insects and spiders, providing essential protein. Seasonal changes in flower availability drive its foraging patterns, with the bird often seen hovering in front of blossoms or perching on branches to feed. The Coppery Metaltail exhibits a flexible feeding schedule, adjusting its activity based on flower abundance and weather conditions, often feeding in the cooler morning and late afternoon hours.
Want to attract Coppery Metaltails to your yard? See our recommended feeders and seed types for the best results.
Coppery Metaltail Behavior and Social Structure
Typically solitary, the Coppery Metaltail exhibits strong territorial behavior, particularly during the breeding season. Males fiercely defend feeding territories, using aerial displays to ward off intruders. During courtship, males perform intricate flight patterns and display their iridescent plumage to attract females. Though generally solitary, outside of the breeding season, these birds may gather in loose flocks at abundant food sources. Their primary predators include larger birds of prey, to which they respond with agile flight and evasive maneuvers.
Coppery Metaltail Nesting and Reproduction
The Coppery Metaltail constructs cup-shaped nests using moss, lichen, and plant fibers, typically situated on sheltered ledges or tree branches. The female lays one to two eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of approximately 17 to 20 days. Both parents contribute to feeding the chicks, which fledge after about three weeks. The species generally raises one to two broods per year, depending on food availability and environmental conditions.
Coppery Metaltail Sounds and Vocalizations
The Coppery Metaltail's primary song features a rapid sequence of high-pitched notes, often described as a tinkling series. Its call notes include sharp chips and trills used for communication and territorial defense. Alarm calls are harsher and more insistent, designed to alert others of predators. During the dawn chorus, their song blends with those of other hummingbirds, creating a vibrant acoustic environment typical of Andean forests.
Interesting Facts About the Coppery Metaltail
- 1The iridescence of the Coppery Metaltail's feathers results from microscopic platelets that refract light.
- 2Despite its small size, the Coppery Metaltail can hover in place while feeding thanks to rapid wingbeats of up to 80 beats per second.
- 3The bird's heart can beat over 1,200 times per minute, supporting its high metabolism necessary for hovering flight.
- 4With a tongue that extends twice the length of its bill, the Coppery Metaltail efficiently extracts nectar from deep flowers.
- 5This species plays a vital role in pollination, visiting over 1,000 flowers daily to meet its energy needs.
- 6The Coppery Metaltail is an indicator species for the health of Andean cloud forests, reflecting broader ecological changes.
- 7Females select mates based on the vibrancy of their plumage, which indicates overall health and vitality.
Coppery Metaltail Conservation Status
The IUCN lists the Coppery Metaltail as Near Threatened, with habitat loss posing the greatest risk. Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture threaten its limited range. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining cloud forests and establishing nature reserves. While its population trend is currently stable, ongoing habitat degradation necessitates vigilant conservation measures to ensure the species' long-term survival.
Attracting Coppery Metaltails to Your Feeder
The Coppery Metaltail is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders across its range. At the Eye On The Fly feeding station, we observe Coppery Metaltails regularly and capture footage with our feeder cameras.
