Tolima Blossomcrown

Tolima Blossomcrown (Anthocephala berlepschi)

Name Origin:
The genus Anthocephala comes from Greek anthos meaning “flower” and kephale meaning “head,” referring to the crown pattern in the species. The species name berlepschi honors German ornithologist Hans von Berlepsch.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 8.5–9.5 cm (3.3–3.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~4.0–4.5 g (0.14–0.16 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to the Central Andes of Colombia (Tolima and Quindío)
🧭 Elevation: 1,200–2,200 m (3,940–7,220 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid premontane and montane forest edges and second growth
🧬 Clade: Trochilini – “Emeralds”
📊 Status: Vulnerable (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic – no recognized subspecies.

Species Overview
The Tolima Blossomcrown is a rare and localized hummingbird, endemic to a narrow stretch of Colombia’s Central Andes. It is most easily recognized by its compact size, rufous crown, white post-ocular stripe, and greenish-bronze upperparts. Unlike many hummingbirds, it prefers forest edge and regenerating habitats, where it forages at low to mid-levels for nectar and arthropods.

Male Description:
Males feature a rich rufous crown contrasting with bronze-green upperparts, white post-ocular stripe, and pale gray underparts. The tail is greenish with a narrow dark subterminal band and white tips.

Female Description:
Similar to the male, though with a slightly duller crown and often more muted gray underparts. Overall pattern is consistent between sexes.

Habitat & Behavior:
Occurs in the understory and edges of humid montane forest, especially in areas with ample flowering plants. Foraging behavior is typically low and deliberate, with short sallying flights between feeding sites. Its preference for edge habitats makes it somewhat adaptable to human-altered landscapes, though continued habitat loss poses a significant threat.

Conservation Note:
Classified as Vulnerable due to its small range and ongoing habitat degradation in the Central Andes. Fragmentation and conversion of montane forest to agriculture continue to pressure this species. Some populations persist in protected and semi-protected areas, but long-term survival depends on preserving forest corridors in its restricted range.