Black-breasted Hillstar
NameBlack-breasted Hillstar
Common NameBlack-breasted Hillstar
Scientific NameOreotrochilus melanogaster
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)8.5
Plumage DetailsMales have an iridescent emerald green gorget and a prominent velvety black breast and belly. The crown and upperparts are dull bronzy-green, with rufous-chestnut flanks and a dark tail featuring white outer feathers. Females are duller, lacking the iridescent gorget and black breast, with a whitish throat streaked with dusky.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of sharp, high-pitched chips or squeaks, often emitted during feeding or in flight.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the high Andes of central Peru, primarily found in the departments of Junín, Huancavelica, and Ayacucho.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent emerald green gorget (males), Velvety black breast and belly (males), Rufous-chestnut flanks, Dark tail with white outer feathers, Found in high-altitude Andean environments
Description
The Black-breasted Hillstar is a striking medium-sized hummingbird endemic to the high Andes of Peru. Males are easily identified by their iridescent green throat and contrasting velvety black breast, often seen hovering to feed on nectar from high-altitude plants.
