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Description
This mysterious hummingbird is known Bogota Sunangel from only a single specimen, a probable male that was obtained as a skin in Bogotá in 1909. This hummingbird is also known as “Zusi’s Sunangel” According to Wikipedia
“The Bogotá sunangel (Heliangelus zusii) is a species of hummingbird that is only known from one specimen”.
Identification
Bogota Sunangel has a dark bluish-black plumage, shading to greenish-blue on the lower back and rump, and an iridescent green throat and forehead patch. The tail is deeply forked, and the black bill is short and straight.
A vibrant greenish shield stretches to the back of the head. Direct sunlight may vary the shade of head and breast to black and golden-green gorget and frontlet. Hence, light and angles play an important role in the appearance of the bird.
Classification
The correct classification of this specimen has been much disputed, with earlier authorities considering it a hybrid between the Long-tailed Sylph and the Purple-backed Thornbill, but DNA studies on tissue taken from the specimen disproved this theory and indicated the bird constituted a true species.
As this bird has never been observed in the wild, it is possible only to speculate about its way of life, and indeed whether it still survives undiscovered. With no further sightings in more than a century, it is likely to be extinct or extremely rare at best.
In 2011, after more than a century, this hummingbird was again discovered in Colombia. Many researchers believe that Bogotá might be a hybrid or rare color morph, between Aglaiocercus kingii. However, many are believed to be valid species.
History
When the fashion industry thriving at the end of the 19th century, the feathers of Bogotá Sunangel was traded in the industry. The shipments of hummingbirds’ skins were imported from South America (Ecuador) with the marking of Bogotá.
In 1947, Philadelphia-based researchers Peters Wetmore and Zimmer stated, the Bogotá Sunangel is a hybrid between a Sylph and a Sunangel. Nonetheless, in 1993 Gary Graves describe the hummingbird as a good species. Hence, in 2009 ornithologists done the DNA of Bogotá Sunangel, collecting samples from the holotype and other hummers, and the results are declared it a good species. See the reference report.
Distribution:
It is unknown so far, probably the eastern or central Andes in Colombia
Habitat
The habitats are Unknown, presumed to be humid forests at altitudes of around 8,200–9,850 ft (2,500–3,000 m).
Size and Length
The size and length of Bogota Sunangel of 43⁄4 in (12 cm including the tail).
Weight
Weight is unknown so far.
Similar Species:
Other Names
(Dutch – Zonneengeltje), (Colombia – Ángel de Bogotá), (Spanish – Ángel de Bogotá), (French – Héliange de Bogotá), (Portuguese – Colibri-de-bogotá), (Chinese – 波哥大领蜂鸟), (German – Smaragdkehlsylphe (Hybrid).
Status
Insufficient data are available. However, a relict population still exists and is listed as critically endangered. So, ornithologists believed it to be extinct.
Note
Read the Report of Roberto Chavarro from the Rogitama reserve.
