Black-hooded sunbeam

The black-hooded sunbeam is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Bolivia.

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Distribution

Region

Bolivian Andes

Typical Environment

Occurs on steep Andean slopes, canyon scrub, and edges of montane and Polylepis woodlands. It uses hedgerows, ravines, and semi-open patches with abundant tubular flowers. Birds often patrol flowering shrubs along forest margins and in high Andean scrub mosaics. It may venture into human-modified areas where native shrubs persist.

Altitude Range

2500–4000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size12–14 cm

Wing Span16–18 cm

Male Weight0.007 kg

Female Weight0.0065 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This striking hummingbird is restricted to the Bolivian Andes, where it favors high-elevation scrub and woodland edges. Its velvety black hood contrasts with gleaming iridescence and a pale rump that flashes in flight, inspiring the name “sunbeam.” It is an important pollinator of Andean flowering shrubs and is strongly territorial around rich nectar sources.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering

Social Behavior

Generally solitary away from breeding, defending rich flower patches vigorously against other hummingbirds. Courtship involves chases and display flights; males do not assist with nesting. Females build small cup nests from plant down and spider silk, placed on sheltered branches or ledges.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and tseep notes, often given during territorial chases. Wing hum is pronounced at close range, and display flights may include rapid buzzes.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Velvety black hood and throat with contrasting iridescent bronzy to violet tones on the upperparts; pale rump that gleams in sunlight and whitish undertail coverts. Underparts show sharp contrast against the dark hood. Tail slightly notched with darker, subtly glossed feathers.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers of high-Andean shrubs and vines, probing while hovering. Also takes small insects and spiders for protein, especially during the breeding season. Will hawk insects in short sallies or glean them from foliage between nectar bouts.

Preferred Environment

Forages along flowering hedgerows, scrubby slopes, forest edges, and ravines where nectar sources are concentrated. Often follows seasonal bloom patterns and repeatedly visits productive patches it defends.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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