Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction due to conversion of forest to marijuana and coca plantations is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Santa Marta Blossomcrown (Anthocephala floriceps) [XC56804]
by Oswaldo Cortes from Estacion San Lorenzo (abajo), Vereda San Lorenzo, PN Nevado de Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia (song)
Santa Marta Blossomcrown (Anthocephala floriceps) [XC154652]
by Brian Cox from El Dorado Lodge, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia (song)
Subspecies
Systematic relationships uncertain. Perhaps closely related to Microchera. Sometimes alternatively considered close to Adelomyia, and possibly even congeneric.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
floriceps (Gould, 1854) - Santa Marta Mts (north-eastern Colombia).
berlepschi Salvin, 1893 - Magdalena Valley, on eastern slope of central Andes (central Colombia). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Tolima Blossomcrown (Anthocephala berlepschi).
Similar Species
Many hummingbirds with pollen dusted foreheads appear similar. Female like Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys) but lacks black cheeks and white postocular streak.
References
See References.