Deep-blue Flowerpiercer (Diglossa glauca)

Identification & Behavior: ~12 cm (4.7 in). The Deep-blue Flowerpiercer (a.k.a., Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer) is all blue with a striking golden eye. It forages in the canopy of humid montane forest often in the company of mixed species flocks. It is smaller but very similar to the Masked Flowerpiercer but is distinguished by the striking golden eye. Also, see Bluish Flowerpiercer.

Status: The Deep-blue Flowerpiercer common in montane forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1000-2300 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Pincha-Flor Azul Intenso.

Sub-species: Deep-blue Flowerpiercer (Diglossa glauca tyrianthina), Hellmayr, 1930. S Colombia on E slope of E Andes (in W Caquetá, W Putumayo and E Nariño) and S on adjacent E slope in Ecuador to about Peru border and to extreme N Peru (Cordillera del Condor).
(Diglossa glauca glauca), P. L. Sclater and Salvin, 1876. E slope in N Peru (S of R Marañón) S to Bolivia (to Cochabamba).

Meaning of Name: Diglossa: Gr. di, dis= double, twice and glossa= tongue. glauca: Gr. glaukos= blue-grey.

See more of the Family Thraupidae