The amethyst-throated sunangel is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along humid Andean slopes of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, mainly in montane cloud forest, elfin forest, and forest edges. It favors shrub-dominated clearings, roadsides with flowering plants, and edges with abundant epiphytes. Often seen at nectar-rich patches, including Bomarea, Fuchsia, and other tubular flowers. It may use semi-open habitats near forest as long as nectar sources are present.
Altitude Range
2400–3700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean hummingbird is named for the male’s glittering amethyst throat, which flashes brilliantly in good light. It aggressively defends rich flower patches and is an important pollinator of cloud-forest shrubs and epiphytes. It often makes brief sallies to catch tiny insects for protein in between nectar bouts.
Peru, 2013
Temperament
territorial and energetic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering; swift darting flights between flowers
Social Behavior
Generally solitary away from mates, it vigorously defends flowering shrubs from other hummingbirds. Nests are small cups of plant down and fibers placed on horizontal branches or stems, often overhanging sheltered spots. Males do not assist with nesting; females incubate and rear the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short twitters, often given during chases or while foraging. Also produces soft, rapid trills at display sites near favored flower patches.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with a slightly darker tail; male shows a brilliant amethyst throat gorget and a pale grayish-buff breast grading to rufous-washed belly. Female lacks the full glittering gorget, with a buffy, lightly spotted throat and warmer underparts. Tail is dark and slightly forked with rufous undertail coverts.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from tubular, brightly colored flowers of high Andean shrubs, vines, and epiphytes. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in brief aerial sallies. This mixed diet provides essential sugars and proteins for its high metabolism.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and roadsides where flowering plants are concentrated. Frequently visits gardens or disturbed areas at high elevations if nectar sources are abundant.
