Introduction
The Brown Inca, Coeligena wilsoni, is a medium-sized hummingbird of the humid Andean forests on the Pacific slope of Colombia and western Ecuador. Its mostly brown plumage, iridescent amethyst throat and white breast patches distinguish it from many brighter members of the inca group. The species is currently recognised as valid by major international bird taxonomies.
Physical Description
The Brown Inca is approximately 11 centimetres long. Adults have a long, straight black bill, a white spot behind the eye and predominantly brown underparts. The upperparts are richer and more bronzy, with an olive-green wash on the lower back and a bronzy, forked tail.
Adult males have a more conspicuous iridescent amethyst gorget and clearly defined white patches on the sides of the breast. Females are similar but usually have a longer bill, a smaller throat patch and a less deeply forked tail. Immature birds generally resemble females and may show less-developed iridescent plumage.
The wings are adapted for sustained hovering and rapid changes of direction, as expected in a nectar-feeding hummingbird. Published measurements indicate a body mass of roughly 6.5 to 7 grams, although weight varies between individuals.
Range and Habitat
The Brown Inca occurs along the Pacific slope of the Andes from Colombia’s Chocó region south through western Ecuador to Loja Province. It is largely restricted to this region and is not considered a long-distance migrant.
It inhabits humid montane forest, cloud-forest edges, forest interior, dense secondary growth and other well-vegetated areas with abundant flowering plants. Recorded elevations commonly range from about 800 to 2,200 metres, although local records may extend beyond this broad range. The species can occur near forest borders and paths but remains closely associated with moist wooded habitats.
Its distribution overlaps the Chocó biogeographic region, one of the most biologically rich areas in the Andes. Habitat loss and fragmentation are therefore important concerns even though the species is still recorded at several protected areas and private reserves.
Where to See This Species
ProAves Tangaras Reserve, Chocó, Colombia
The Brown Inca has been documented at the ProAves Tangaras Reserve near El Carmen de Atrato. The reserve protects humid Chocó forest and is a recognised site for observing this species and other regional forest birds. Look along forest edges, flowering vegetation and quiet trails, particularly where mature forest adjoins secondary growth.
Nearby accommodation: Accommodation may be available at the reserve or in lodges and guest houses around El Carmen de Atrato.
Refugio Paz de las Aves, Pichincha, Ecuador
Refugio Paz de las Aves near Nanegalito is a publicly visited bird sanctuary where the Brown Inca has been recorded regularly. Its cloud-forest habitat, flowering plants and established hummingbird viewing areas make it one of the more practical places to look for the species in north-western Ecuador.
Nearby accommodation: The nearby town of Mindo offers lodges, guest houses, hotels and self-catering accommodation.
Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
The Brown Inca is included on the bird list for Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve, a protected area in the Chocó foothills. Moist forest, forest edges and flowering plants provide suitable habitat. Access should be arranged with the reserve before travelling, as conditions and visitor arrangements can vary.
Nearby accommodation: Practical accommodation is available in the Mashpi area, including reserve lodges and small ecolodges, with additional guest houses and lodges around Mindo.
Behaviour and Diet
The Brown Inca feeds mainly on nectar from flowering plants. It also takes small insects and spiders, which provide protein and other nutrients, particularly during periods of feather growth and while raising young.
Like many hummingbirds, it may defend productive feeding areas from other hummingbirds. Individuals are often seen alone, moving rapidly between flowers or perching quietly in shaded vegetation between feeding bouts. Its flight is agile and powerful, allowing it to hover at flowers and move through dense forest growth.
Detailed information about its breeding biology remains limited. A nest recorded in Colombia was a moss- and lichen-covered cup placed low in relatively open secondary forest. As in other hummingbirds, the female is expected to build the nest, incubate the eggs and care for the young without male assistance, but the timing and full sequence of breeding behaviour are not well documented for this species.
Identification Tips
- Look for a medium-sized hummingbird that is predominantly brown rather than vividly green or blue.
- Check for the long, straight black bill and the small white spot behind the eye.
- Adult males show a noticeable amethyst throat patch and white patches on both sides of the breast.
- The upperparts may appear bronzy, while the lower back often has an olive-green wash.
- The tail is bronzy and forked, although the fork is less pronounced in females.
- The Brown Inca can be confused with other Coeligena species in the same forests. The combination of brown body plumage, an amethyst gorget, white breast patches and a white post-ocular spot is particularly useful for identification.
Conservation Status
The Brown Inca is currently classified as Least Concern. Its population size has not been reliably quantified, and available assessments indicate that the population may be declining.
The principal concerns are the loss and fragmentation of humid montane forest through agricultural expansion, logging, roads and settlement. Climate change may also affect flowering patterns and the availability of suitable elevational habitat. Protecting remaining Chocó and Andean cloud forests, maintaining connections between forest fragments and supporting well-managed reserves are important conservation measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Brown Inca found?
The Brown Inca occurs on the Pacific slope of the Andes from Colombia’s Chocó region through western Ecuador to Loja Province.
What habitat does the Brown Inca use?
It mainly uses humid montane forest and cloud forest, including forest edges, secondary growth and areas with abundant flowering plants. It is commonly recorded between about 800 and 2,200 metres.
What does the Brown Inca eat?
Its main food is nectar from flowering plants. It also captures small insects and spiders for additional protein.
How can the Brown Inca be identified?
Look for its mostly brown plumage, long straight black bill, white spot behind the eye, bronzy forked tail and, in adult males, an iridescent amethyst throat with white patches on the sides of the breast.
Is the Brown Inca endangered?
The Brown Inca is currently assessed as Least Concern, but habitat loss and fragmentation remain important threats and its population is thought to be decreasing.
Where can birdwatchers see the Brown Inca?
Documented viewing sites include ProAves Tangaras Reserve in Colombia, Refugio Paz de las Aves in Ecuador and Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve in Ecuador. Local access arrangements should be checked before visiting private reserves.
References
- BirdLife International
- IOC World Bird List
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds of the World
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