Greenish Puffleg

Greenish Puffleg (Haplophaedia aureliae)

Name Origin:
The genus Haplophaedia combines Greek haploos meaning “simple” and phaedia meaning “brightness” or “shine,” referencing its modest but iridescent plumage. The species name aureliae honors Aurelia, likely a female patron or figure in early ornithological exploration, though the exact individual is uncertain.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 8.5–10 cm (3.3–3.9 in)
⚖️ Weight: 4.5–5.5 g (0.16–0.19 oz)
🌎 Range: Eastern Panama through Colombia and east slope of the Andes south to southeastern Ecuador
🧭 Elevation: 1,000–2,500 m (3,300–8,200 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid cloud forest, forest edge, and shrubby slopes
🧬 Clade: Lesbiini “Coquettes and Pufflegs”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Six subspecies:

1. Haplophaedia aureliae floccus
   Distribution: Extreme eastern Panama and adjacent northwestern Colombia (Cerro Malí, Cerro Tacarcuna).

2. Haplophaedia aureliae galindoi
   Distribution: Extreme eastern Panama (Cerro Pirre).

3. Haplophaedia aureliae caucensis
   Distribution: Mountains of southeastern Panama through the Western and Central Andes of Colombia.

4. Haplophaedia aureliae aureliae
   Distribution: Eastern Andes of Colombia, possibly eastern slope of Central Andes as well.

5. Haplophaedia aureliae russata
   Distribution: Eastern slope of the Andes in Ecuador, south at least to western Pastaza.

6. Haplophaedia aureliae cutucuensis
   Distribution: Eastern slope of southern Ecuador (Cutucú Range and Cordillera del Cóndor).

Species Overview

The Greenish Puffleg is a small, robust hummingbird of wet, mossy forest and mountain ravines. Known for its powder-puff leg tufts and shimmering green plumage, it often perches low and feeds from tubular flowers in shaded undergrowth. It is typically solitary and territorial, especially around nectar-rich shrubs and small flowering trees.

Male Description:
Bright grass-green upperparts with bronzy or coppery tones depending on subspecies. Throat and belly are green to grayish with varying amounts of scaling. White feather tufts on the legs are prominent. Bill is short, straight, and black. Tail is slightly forked and dark.

Female Description:
Similar to the male but duller overall, with more grayish scaling on the underparts. Some subspecies show paler bellies or less vibrant green.

Habitat & Behavior:
Favors humid cloud forests, forest edge, and brushy ravines, usually between 1,000 and 2,500 meters. It forages low, often near the forest floor or mid-story, and defends flowering shrubs. Also captures small insects by hawking. Known for rapid, darting flights and long feeding sessions at preferred flower patches.

Conservation Note:
Although listed as Least Concern, the Greenish Puffleg is dependent on intact cloud forest habitats and vulnerable to deforestation and habitat degradation. Many populations benefit from protected reserves in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, but ongoing habitat fragmentation may pose long-term risks in unprotected areas.

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Below is the Greenish Puffleg (Haplophaedia aureliae caucensis)

Photographed at:

• La Florida - Bosque de Las Aves, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

• Finca Alejandría "El Paraiso de Los Colibries", Valle del Cauca, Colombia

These individuals belong to the subspecies caucensis, found from southeastern Panama into the Western and Central Andes of Colombia. It inhabits humid cloud forest and forest edge, particularly between 1,500 and 2,400 meters elevation. This form shows grass-green upperparts with a slight coppery gloss, and males often show a contrasting white belly patch.

Below is the Greenish Puffleg (Haplophaedia aureliae cutucuensis)

Photographed at:

• Bosque de Protección Alto Mayo – Fundo Alto Nieva, San Martín, Peru

These individuals belong to the subspecies cutucuensis, found along the eastern slope of southern Ecuador (Cutucú and Cóndor ranges) and extending into adjacent northern Peru, including San Martín. It inhabits humid montane forest and mossy ravines between 1,400 and 2,300 meters. This form resembles the nominate but has heavier grayish-white scaling on the underparts and subtle differences in tail and bill proportions.

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