Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) [XC257853]
by John V. Moore from Pichincha: Yanacocha, Volc\u00e1n Pichincha, Ecuador (call, calls)
Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) [XC26849]
by Andrew Spencer from Filo Pamplona, Serrania de los Yariguies, Galan, Santander, 06\u00ba38\u2019N, 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).