The blue-mantled thornbill is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high Andes of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, where it uses elfin forest edges, Polylepis and Gynoxys woodlands, and open páramo/puna shrublands with flowering shrubs. It favors patches with abundant tubular blossoms and often forages along sheltered ravines and hedgerows. In harsher weather it keeps close to leeward slopes and forest margins. Local elevational movements may occur in response to bloom cycles.
Altitude Range
2600–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-mantled thornbill is a high-Andean hummingbird that frequents windswept shrublands and forest edges above treeline. Like many montane hummingbirds, it can enter nightly torpor to conserve energy in cold conditions. Males defend rich nectar patches aggressively, while females handle all nesting duties.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season, with males defending nectar-rich shrubs against other hummingbirds. Courtship involves display flights and posturing near favored flowers. The female builds a small cup nest from plant fibers and spider silk on a sheltered branch, and she alone incubates and feeds the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills given during foraging or territorial chases. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and males may add rapid, buzzy notes during displays.
