Blue-throated Hillstar
NameBlue-throated Hillstar
Common NameBlue-throated Hillstar
Scientific NameOreotrochilus cyanolaemus
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)14
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsMales display a brilliant iridescent blue gorget (throat) and upper breast, a black lower breast band, and a white belly. The crown and upperparts are iridescent green. Females are duller, lacking the blue gorget, with a white throat speckled with green, and green upperparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of sharp, high-pitched chips or squeaks, often given in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmountain
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to a very restricted area in the Andes of southwestern Ecuador, specifically in the Azuay and Loja provinces.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent blue throat (male), Iridescent green crown and upperparts, White belly with black breast band (male), Relatively large size for a hummingbird, Found in high-altitude Andean habitats
Description
This critically endangered hummingbird is characterized by the male's striking iridescent blue throat and green crown, contrasting with a white belly. It inhabits high-altitude Andean scrub and paramo, where it feeds primarily on nectar.
