Introduction
The Black Inca (Coeligena prunellei) is a hummingbird endemic to Colombia. It occurs mainly in humid montane forests on the western slope of the Eastern Andes, where it is associated particularly with mature and regenerating oak forest. Its dark plumage, iridescent blue shoulders and small white breast patches make it distinctive among Colombia’s highland hummingbirds.
Physical Description
The Black Inca is a medium-sized hummingbird, about 14 cm long and weighing approximately 6–7 g. Both sexes have a long, straight, black bill, a white spot behind the eye and a dark, forked tail.
Adults are predominantly dark purplish-black. The shoulders show an iridescent blue sheen, while the throat has a blue-green to greenish iridescent patch. A conspicuous white patch occurs on each side of the breast, and the undertail-coverts may have pale or white edging. The legs are reddish to flesh-coloured.
The female resembles the male but is generally duller, with less extensive blue on the shoulders and a less deeply forked tail. Females also have a slightly longer bill. Immature birds are less glossy than adults and typically lack the adult throat iridescence.
Range and Habitat
The Black Inca is endemic to Colombia. Its known distribution extends through parts of Santander, Boyacá and Cundinamarca, including the western slope of the Eastern Andes and areas associated with the Serranía de los Yariguíes.
It is found at approximately 1,200–3,100 metres above sea level, although local records vary. The species is most strongly associated with humid montane and cloud forests, especially forests containing native oaks. It may also use forest edges, secondary woodland, streamside vegetation, gardens and small wooded patches, particularly where flowering plants provide reliable feeding opportunities.
Although it can occur in fragmented landscapes, records suggest that it is more consistently found where relatively extensive forest remains. The species is resident rather than a long-distance migrant, but local movements may occur between forest, scrub and flowering areas.
Where to See This Species
Rogitama Biodiversidad, Boyacá, Colombia
Rogitama Biodiversidad is a publicly accessible private nature reserve near Arcabuco, with restored woodland, gardens and interpretive birding trails. The reserve specifically documents the Black Inca, locally known as the Príncipe de Arcabuco, and its combination of mature plantings, regenerating habitat and flowering gardens makes it one of the most realistic places to look for the species. Visits should be arranged in advance.
Nearby accommodation: Accommodation is available at the reserve, while Arcabuco provides additional rural guest houses and small lodging options.
Laguna de Pedro Palo, Cundinamarca, Colombia
The Laguna de Pedro Palo protected area and surrounding private reserves near Tena and La Mesa support humid woodland, oak-associated forest and secondary vegetation where the Black Inca has been recorded. Look along forest edges, regenerating woodland and flowering plants, particularly in quiet areas away from heavily used paths. Access arrangements may vary between the public reserve and neighbouring private reserves.
Nearby accommodation: Tena and La Mesa are the nearest practical bases, with hotels, guest houses, rural accommodation and self-catering options in the surrounding area.
Santuario de Fauna y Flora Guanentá Alto Río Fonce, Santander, Colombia
The sanctuary protects extensive Andean forest in the municipalities of El Encino, Charalá and related parts of Santander. The Black Inca has been recorded in the sanctuary and in nearby forested areas, including secondary woodland and regenerating vegetation. Because access can be regulated and trails may be remote, visitors should confirm current entry conditions and use local guidance before planning a birding visit.
Nearby accommodation: Charalá and El Encino are the main gateway settlements, with small hotels, guest houses and rural accommodation available in the wider area.
Behaviour and Diet
The Black Inca is usually encountered singly. It can be territorial around concentrated floral resources and may chase other hummingbirds or nectar-feeding birds from productive flowers. Females have also been observed defending feeding areas, although they may use route-based foraging, visiting a sequence of flowering plants rather than remaining at one flower patch.
Nectar forms the main part of its diet. The species visits a variety of flowering plants and is an important pollinator of montane vegetation. Small insects and other arthropods are also taken, supplying protein and other nutrients, especially during periods of nesting and chick rearing.
Breeding information remains limited. Available nesting records show that the female builds and attends a small cup-shaped nest, using fine plant material and other fibres. The female is responsible for incubation and care of the young, while the male does not normally provide parental care. The species’ breeding season may vary with local flowering conditions.
Identification Tips
- Look for a dark, almost black hummingbird with a long, straight black bill.
- Check the shoulders for an iridescent blue sheen, especially when the bird turns in bright light.
- The small white patches on both sides of the breast are highly useful identification marks.
- The throat may flash blue-green or green depending on the angle of the light.
- The tail is black and forked, although the fork is less pronounced in females.
- Females are duller overall and show less blue on the shoulders.
- The Black Inca should not be confused with the more widely distributed Collared Inca, which generally has a much broader white breast collar and a different overall pattern.
Conservation Status
The Black Inca is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It has a restricted range and is affected by the loss and fragmentation of humid montane forest, particularly oak-dominated woodland. Agricultural expansion, grazing, pasture creation, road development and other land-use changes can reduce forest cover and interrupt movement between suitable habitat patches.
The global population has not been reliably quantified, so a precise population figure should not be given. Available assessments indicate a declining population trend, although the species can persist in some small forest remnants, secondary woodland and restored habitats.
Important conservation measures include protecting remaining forest, maintaining connections between woodland patches, restoring native vegetation and supporting reserves that combine habitat protection with responsible public access. Local monitoring is also valuable because the species’ distribution and abundance are not uniform across its range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Black Inca found?
The Black Inca is endemic to Colombia. It occurs mainly in Santander, Boyacá and Cundinamarca, especially in humid montane forests on and around the western slope of the Eastern Andes.
What does the Black Inca look like?
It is a dark purplish-black hummingbird with iridescent blue shoulders, a blue-green throat patch, white patches on both sides of the breast and a long, straight black bill.
Is the Black Inca endangered?
The Black Inca is classified as Vulnerable. Habitat loss and fragmentation in Colombia’s montane forests are the principal conservation concerns.
What does the Black Inca eat?
It feeds mainly on nectar from flowering plants and also takes small insects and other arthropods.
Can the Black Inca be seen at Rogitama Biodiversidad?
Yes. Rogitama Biodiversidad near Arcabuco in Boyacá documents the species on its birding trails and in its restored gardens and woodland habitat. Visits should be arranged with the reserve before arrival.
Is the Black Inca migratory?
It is regarded as a resident species rather than a long-distance migrant. Local movements between forest, secondary vegetation and flowering areas may occur.
References
- BirdLife International
- IOC World Bird List
- Libro Rojo de Aves de Colombia
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