Black Inca

Common name: Black Inca
Scientific name: Coeligena prunellei
Clades: Heliantheini - Brilliants

The Black Inca is a striking species of hummingbird found in the cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela. This medium-sized bird is distinguished by its predominantly black plumage with a shimmering green crown and throat. The male Black Inca boasts vibrant violet-blue iridescence on its wings and a deeply forked tail, adding to its allure.

This elusive species is known for its unique feeding behavior, often perching while feeding rather than hovering like most hummingbirds. Its diet primarily consists of nectar from various flowering plants, making it a crucial pollinator in its habitat. Despite its striking beauty and ecological importance, the Black Inca faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment into its native range.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Black Inca and its fragile ecosystem. Researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike are captivated by this enchanting hummingbird, making it a symbol of the rich biodiversity found in the cloud forests of South America.