Ecología reproductiva del colibrí de Loja Amazilis amazilia alticola (Apodiformes: Trochilidae) en Loja, Ecuador

Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado; Claudio  Crespo-Ramírez; Jorge  Córdova-González

doi:10.30550/j.azl/2224

Authors

Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado Museo de Zoología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. Loja, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4593-1728
Claudio Crespo-Ramírez Museo de Zoología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. Loja, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5952-3784
Jorge Córdova-González Museo de Zoología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. Loja, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0216-4696

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2224

Keywords:

Reproductive biology, hummingbirds, urban birds, Andes

Abstract

We present for the first time detailed information regarding the reproductive biology of the Loja Hummingbird (Amazilis amazilia alticola) in the wild. This research was carried out between February and March 2022 in the city of Loja, Ecuador, through detailed observations of an active nest located in a loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica). We recorded data concerning the nest, its structure, construction materials and size. We also review all available information regarding this species’ breeding phenology. The nest was built using plant fibers, spider webs and lichens for insulation and camouflage. The incubation lasted 16 to
18 days, and the chicks remained in the nest for 23 days. Typical for hummingbirds, the female assumed all parental duties, including the incubation, care and feeding of the young, collecting nectar from at least eight plant species. Significant differences were observed in the care given to each chick. Our data improves our knowledge regarding
the reproduction of Andean hummingbirds, and in articular of these common but poorly known species that have adapted to anthropic environments.

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