The collared inca is a species of hummingbird found in humid Andean forests from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to Peru. It is very distinctive in having a white chest-patch and white on the tail. Like other hummingbirds it takes energy from flower nectar, while the plant benefits from the symbiotic relationship by being pollinated. Its protein source is small arthropods such as insects. It is normally solitary and can be found at varying heights above the ground, often in the open.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Found in humid montane forests and cloud forests from western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to Peru. It favors forest edges, clearings, and roadsides with abundant tubular flowers, and also uses elfin forest and páramo margins. Birds often forage at mid- to upper-levels, but will descend to understory flowers and visit feeders around lodges. Occurrence is patchy, tracking localized nectar sources across elevations.
Altitude Range
1800–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The collared inca is a large Andean hummingbird easily recognized by its bold white chest-collar contrasting with a mostly dark body. It plays an important role as a pollinator of high-elevation cloud-forest flowers and often defends rich flower patches vigorously. In some areas it readily visits feeders, offering excellent views of its striking plumage. Altitudinal movements occur locally as flowers bloom at different elevations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and aggressively defends flowering shrubs or feeders from other hummingbirds. Courtship involves chases and display flights around favored nectar sources. The female builds a small cup nest of plant fibers and moss, usually on a sheltered branch, and incubates 2 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched chips and tseet notes given while foraging or during chases. Wing hum is audible at close range, especially during rapid aerial pursuits.
