Amethyst-throated Sunangel

Overview

The amethyst-throated sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis) is a species of hummingbird in the coquette tribe Lesbiini. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population that is fairly common overall and locally abundant.

Identification

• Males of the nominate subspecies display shiny dark green upperparts and a rosy amethyst throat and upper breast gorget bordered by black and cinnamon.
• Females are similar to males but possess a rusty throat with black flecks, while immatures resemble the female.
• A small bird measuring approximately 10 cm (3.9 in) in length and weighing between 3.8 and 7.7 g, featuring a straight, rather short, black bill.
• Produces a short, buzzy, dry trill repeated at intervals.

Habitat

Found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, this species inhabits wet and humid montane forest, including cloudforest and elfin forest, while preferring the interior of closed forest. It typically occupies elevations between 1,800 and 3,200 m, though records reach up to 3,700 m in Peru.

Diet

The bird feeds on nectar and a high percentage of insects, using its short bill to access flowers with shallow corollas. It defends feeding territories and captures insects by hawking from a perch, typically at heights up to 6 m near cover.

Did you know?

The female incubates a clutch of two eggs in a nest built from fine plant fiber, moss, and lichens, which she attaches to a dangling moss strand to shelter the brood from the weather.