The Andean hillstar is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Found across the high Andes of southern Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It frequents puna grasslands, rocky slopes, ravines, and the edges of Polylepis woodlands. Shrublands with nectar-rich plants are especially important, and it often forages around Andean shrubs and cacti. It favors sites with cliffs and rock faces that offer sheltered perches and nesting ledges.
Altitude Range
3000–5200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the highest‐living hummingbirds, the Andean hillstar often forages while perched to save energy in thin mountain air. It commonly nests on cliff ledges or inside rock overhangs and caves, using moss and plant fibers. On cold nights it can enter torpor to conserve heat and energy.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering; often perches to feed in thin air
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season and defends nectar resources vigorously. Nests are placed on cliffs or in rock crevices, often sheltered from wind and weather. Pairs form during breeding, and the female undertakes most nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local altitudinal movements
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched chips and twitters given during foraging and territorial chases. Males produce a soft, rapid series of notes during display and interactions.
Plumage
Male shows a clean white underside contrasted by a dark breast band and a shimmering violet gorget; upperparts are bronzy-green with a slightly notched tail. Female is duller with buffy, streaked underparts and a less contrasting face pattern. Both sexes have straight, slender bills and relatively long wings for a hummingbird.
Diet
Primarily nectar from high Andean shrubs and herbs, including chuquiraga and other montane blossoms. Supplements nectar with small arthropods captured by hawking or gleaned from foliage and flowers. Will visit cacti and cushion plants when in bloom and may exploit flowering patches sequentially. Territorial individuals defend rich nectar sources but also engage in trap-lining when flowers are sparse.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along rocky slopes, ravines, puna grasslands, and shrublands where wind-sheltered flowers are available. Often chooses perches near dense flowering shrubs to reduce hovering time.
