helmetcrest migrates from the high páramo in the wet season to lower elevations in the dry and the green-bearded might also follow this pattern. Feeding The green-bearded helmetcrest feeds on nectar at a wide variety of flowering plants but is partial to Espeletia species. It nectars mostly by clinging to flowers but does hover to feed. It is thought that the short, fine bill of this bird and the other Oxypogon species is an adaption to facilitate extracting nectar from the numerous tiny florets of the flower heads of these plants. It also feeds on insects that it catches insects on the ground, by hovering, or by jumping or hawking from the ground or a perch. Breeding The green-bearded helmetcrest's breeding season is tied to the flowering of Espeletia and is usually between May and September. Little else is known about its breeding phenology. However, it is assumed to be very similar to that of the white-bearded helmetcrest. That species makes a large nest of Espeletia fibers in cavities or below overhangs where it is protected from sun and rain. Its clutch size is two eggs; the female incubates for 21 to 23 days and fledging occurs 35 to 38 days after hatch. Vocalization Few of the green-bearded helmetcrest's vocalizations have been described, but one is "an insistent 'tii…tii…'" given by males chasing a female. Status The IUCN has assessed the green-bearded helmetcrest as being of Least Concern. It has a limited range and its population size is not known and believed to be decreasing. It is considered locally common and occurs in several protected areas. References green-bearded helmetcrest Birds of the Colombian Andes Endemic birds of Colombia green-bearded helmetcrest