The black-breasted puffleg, known as zamarrito pechinegro in Spanish, is a species of hummingbird native to Ecuador. It is Endangered, with an estimated 100–150 individuals remaining in the wild.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Extremely restricted to the western slopes of the Andes in northwestern Ecuador, centered on Volcán Pichincha and nearby peaks. It inhabits humid montane cloud forest, elfin forest, and shrubby edges near the treeline. The species uses forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and regenerating patches, but avoids heavily disturbed open farmland. Fires and deforestation have fragmented its habitat, though some individuals persist in protected reserves.
Altitude Range
2900–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-breasted puffleg is a tiny Andean hummingbird known for the fluffy white feather "puffs" around its legs. It is confined to a very small area on the western Andes of Ecuador and is one of the world’s most threatened hummingbirds. It likely makes seasonal elevational movements between cloud forest and higher elfin-edge thickets.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering specialist with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and males defend rich flowering patches vigorously. Nests are small cups built from plant down and spider silk placed on sheltered branches. Breeding activity coincides with peak flowering; parental care is by the female.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tseet notes and brief metallic trills, given from low perches near feeding sites. Wing hum is audible at close range and often reveals its presence before the bird is seen.
Plumage
Male is glittering green with a velvety black breast and conspicuous white leg puffs; tail shows bluish to purplish tones and is slightly forked. Female is greener overall with paler, lightly streaked underparts and smaller white leg puffs. Both sexes have a straight, slender black bill.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from high-Andean flowers, especially shrubs and small trees in cloud and elfin forest (e.g., ericaceous and other tubular blooms). Supplements diet with tiny insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning for protein. Defends productive flower patches but also engages in trap-lining along regular routes.
Preferred Environment
Forest edges, clearings, and flowering shrub thickets near the treeline, including areas with abundant native blooms. Often visits protected reserve trails and regenerating forest where native plants are flowering.
