description Purple-bibbed whitetip Overview
The purple-bibbed whitetip is a hummingbird in the genus Urosticte found in humid forests of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Its common name refers to the male's purple throat patch and the pale tips visible on parts of the tail, while females have more subdued plumage. It is one of two recognized species in its genus and is primarily relevant to birdwatchers and researchers studying the avifauna of the Chocó biogeographic region.
help Purple-bibbed whitetip FAQ
Where can I see a purple-bibbed whitetip?
The species (Urosticte benjamini) is found in the humid foothill forests of the Chocó region — western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It's a range-restricted hummingbird, so birders typically target reserves in that region rather than broader South American trips.
How do you tell male and female purple-bibbed whitetips apart?
Males have the namesake iridescent purple throat patch (the 'bib') plus pale white tips on parts of the tail. Females lack the purple bib and are more subdued overall, with white tail tipping that helps separate them from similar hummingbirds.
Is the purple-bibbed whitetip endangered?
No, it is generally listed as Least Concern, but its population is tied to a fairly narrow band of humid forest in Colombia and Ecuador. Habitat loss in the Chocó region is the main long-term pressure on it.
What does the purple-bibbed whitetip eat?
Like other hummingbirds, it feeds on nectar from forest understory flowers, often moving between scattered blooms rather than defending a single patch. It also catches small insects and spiders for protein.
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