Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) [XC145666]
by Hans Matheve from Bosque Protector Cooperativa Jima, Gualaquiza, Morona Santiago, Ecuador (song)
Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) [XC154888]
by Niels Krabbe from RNA El Colibr\u00ed del Sol, Colombia (call)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with Black-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron dorsale). Perhaps closely related to Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna). Subspecies andicolum and albiventre are doubtfully distinct from nominate. "Lesbia ortoni" (= "Zodalia glyceria") is probably a hybrid of present species and Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae).
The following 4 subspecies are recognised:
andicola Simon, 1921 - Andes of western Venezuela (Merida).
microrhynchum (Boissonneau, 1839) - Andes of Colombia, Ecuador and north-western Peru.
albiventre Carriker, 1935 - Andes of central Peru (Huánuco to Cuzco and Apurímac).
bolivianum Schuchmann, 1984 - Andes of Bolivia (Cocapata in Cochabamba).