Buff-thighed Puffleg

The buff-thighed puffleg (Haplophaedia assimilis) is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru. == Taxonomy and systematics == The buff-thighed puffleg was for a time considered to be a subspecies of greenish puffleg (H. aureliae) but was then returned to full species status. As of early 2022 it is again under consideration for reinclusion in H. aureliae but the proposal does not have much support. It has two recognized subspecies, the nominate H. a. assimilis and H. a. affinis. == Description == The buff-thighed puffleg is 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 in) long and weighs 5 to 6 g (0.18 to 0.21 oz). It has a straight blackish bill. Adults of both sexes of the nominate subspecies are mostly dark green and have a slightly forked blue-black tail. Their namesake leg puffs are creamy buff to whitish. H. a. affinis is a darker green overall and has a bluer tail; its leg puffs are pale rufous. Juveniles are like adults with the addition of brown fringes on the feathers of the head and neck. == Distribution and habitat == Subspecies H. a. affinis of the buff-thighed…