The black-breasted hillstar is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occupies high Andean puna and rocky slopes in central Peru, favoring windswept ravines, scrubby slopes, and cliff faces with scattered flowering shrubs and bromeliads. Frequently associated with stands of high-elevation flora, including large bromeliads such as Puya and hardy Andean shrubs. Uses natural rock overhangs and canyon walls for shelter and nesting. Often forages in more sheltered microhabitats where flowers are protected from constant wind.
Altitude Range
3000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean hummingbird is a member of the "coquettes" (tribe Lesbiini, subfamily Lesbiinae) and is adapted to cold, windy puna habitats. It often perches to conserve energy and defends nectar-rich shrubs aggressively. Nests are typically placed on sheltered cliff ledges or rocky walls, built from plant fibers and spider silk. Its range is restricted to Peru, making habitat protection especially important.
Two males in a plate from A monograph of the Trochilidæ, or family of humming-birds.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
hovering specialist with short rapid wingbeats; fast, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at feeding sites, with males vigorously defending nectar sources. Pairs form during the breeding season; the female builds a cup nest on cliff ledges using plant down and spider silk. The female alone incubates and tends the young, while the male maintains nearby territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, thin chips and rapid twitters delivered from exposed perches. Males often give short, buzzy trills during territorial chases. Mechanical wing sounds may accompany close, aggressive interactions.
Plumage
Upperparts bronzy- to iridescent green with a contrasting, extensive black breast and belly in males; females duller with more mottled underparts. Both sexes show pale lower underparts toward the vent and white in the tail sides, especially visible in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from high-Andean shrubs and bromeliads, inserting its bill while hovering or from a perch when possible. Supplements its diet with small arthropods caught by hawking or gleaning from foliage and rock faces. Will visit flowering patches repeatedly and defend productive plants aggressively.
Preferred Environment
Forages in sheltered ravines, cliff bases, and slopes where flowers are protected from strong winds. Often associated with blooming Puya and other hardy montane shrubs scattered across puna grasslands.
