Purple-backed Sunbeam
A species of Sunbeams Scientific name : Aglaeactis aliciae Genus : Sunbeams
Purple-backed Sunbeam, A species of Sunbeams
Botanical name: Aglaeactis aliciae
Genus: Sunbeams
Content
Description General Info
Description
The purple-backed sunbeam (Aglaeactis aliciae) is a bird species in the family Trochilidae. It is found only in Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss. It was formerly classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. But new research has shown that although hardly any natural habitat is left, this species is still a bit more numerous than it was believed. Consequently, it is downlisted to Endangered status in 2008 and once again to Vulnerable in 2020. 
Size
13 cm
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
Purple-backed Sunbeam primarily feeds on nectar from Oreocallis grandiflora and Tristerix longebrachteatum, with occasional insects. Specific foraging behaviors remain largely unknown, but these sources suggest a preference for certain plants' nectar and potentially a specialized feeding niche.
Habitat
The purple-backed Sunbeam primarily inhabits temperate zones at elevations of 2,900 to 3,500 meters, thriving within semi-open Andean slopes. These birds are associated with mountain habitats consisting of Alnus acuminata trees and Oreocallis grandiflora shrubs. Their diet includes nectar from various flowering plants including the preferred mistletoe alders and Tristerix longebrachteatum, found within their native montane shrublands. The adaptation to and ecological impact of Eucalyptus tree plantations on the purple-backed Sunbeam's habitat preference and breeding practices require further scientific investigation.
Dite type
Nectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Species Status
The low population number, which is estimated at less than 1,000 birds, may indicate that it has an extremely low hereditary diversity. The Maranon valley, habitat to the purple-backed sunbeam, is a region of high preservation importance, as its remoteness and distinctive habitats, have led to a high degree of endemism. A total of twenty two bird species are endemic to the valley, and as a result it has been selected as a Birdlife International Endemic Bird Area (EBA). The Maranon valley has also been selected as part of the Maranon-Alto Mayo Conservation corridor, because it supports a high number of conservation precedence areas. The American Bird Conservancy has been working to analyze the allocation of rare bird species within the Maranon valley, and classify the areas and habitats that need protection. A diverse array of preservation strategies have been proposed, including strict protected area rank, sustainable conservation, and community owned nature reserves. Currently, 0.1 percent of the Maranon valley has any legal defense and these measures need to be implemented immediately.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Swifts and hummingbirds Family
Hummingbirds Genus
Sunbeams Species
Purple-backed Sunbeam 
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