The bearded mountaineer is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains (Peru)
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid to semi-arid inter-Andean valleys and slopes with scattered shrubs, cacti, and scrubby woodland. It frequents river canyons, rocky hillsides, hedgerows, and edges of agricultural areas where flowering plants are abundant. The species is often seen around gardens and roadsides with ornamental or introduced nectar sources. It perches conspicuously between foraging bouts and defends rich flower patches from other hummingbirds.
Altitude Range
2400–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking hummingbird is confined to Peru’s inter-Andean valleys, where it often patrols flowering shrubs with fierce territorial zeal. Its bold white facial 'beard' set against a dark throat makes it easy to recognize even at a distance. It readily visits roadside and garden blooms, including introduced plants like tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca).
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering
Social Behavior
Males aggressively defend nectar-rich shrubs and chase intruders with sweeping aerial pursuits. Nesting is by the female, who builds a small cup of plant fibers and spider silk and incubates two eggs. Pairs do not maintain long-term bonds, and adults are usually encountered singly.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills given from exposed perches or during chases. The rapid wing hum is also audible during close hovering and territorial flights.
Plumage
Upperparts are iridescent green to bronze-green with a darker mask and throat contrasted by bold white malar stripes forming a 'beard'. Underparts are grayish with a slightly buffy wash. The tail is long and dark with prominent white edges or tips on the outer feathers.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from flowers of shrubs, cacti, and small trees, including native Andean flora and some introduced ornamentals. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders for protein, hawking them in short sallies from perches. Territorial individuals return repeatedly to the same flowering patches when blooms are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at flowering shrubs on arid slopes, canyon edges, and scrubby valleys, as well as gardens and roadside plantings. Often selects patches with dense blooms where it can perch nearby to watch and defend resources.
