The gorgeted sunangel is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombia and Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the west Andean slopes of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador, mainly in humid montane cloudforest, elfin forest, and secondary growth. It is most often found along forest edges, roadsides with dense flowering shrubs, and riparian thickets. The species uses a mosaic of natural and disturbed habitats as long as nectar sources are abundant. It can be locally common in protected cloudforests and adjacent shade-grown landscapes.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean hummingbird is named for the male’s brilliant violet throat (gorget) sharply bordered by a narrow white pectoral band. It frequents cloud-forest edges and shrubby clearings where it defends rich flower patches aggressively. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein. Females alone build the nest and rear the young.
Painting by John Gould
Temperament
territorial and assertive at flower patches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at feeding sites, where males defend small nectar territories. Courtship includes rapid aerial chases and close hovering displays. Nests are tiny cups placed on horizontal twigs or sheltered forks; the female builds and incubates, caring for the chicks alone.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and short buzzy trills given during territorial encounters. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and display flights may include rapid series of sharp notes.
Plumage
Compact hummingbird with dark green to bronzy-green upperparts and dusky green underparts. Male shows a glittering violet gorget sharply edged below by a narrow white pectoral band; tail dark and slightly forked. Female lacks the vivid gorget, with a buffy to grayish throat lightly speckled and a faint whitish breast band; overall duller with more mottling below.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, especially in cloudforest shrubs and Ericaceae. It also takes small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or caught in brief sallies, providing essential protein. Individuals often follow trap-lines between reliable flower patches while defending the richest resources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings with dense flowering shrubs, and along streams where blossoms are concentrated. It also uses regenerating secondary growth and shaded gardens with abundant nectar plants.
