Gould's inca is a species of hummingbird in subfamily Lesbiinae, the so-called "typical hummingbirds", of family Trochilidae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Central Andes (Peru and Bolivia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests and cloud forests on the east Andean slopes of southern Peru and northern Bolivia. It favors forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and streamside vegetation with abundant epiphytes. The species also uses elfin forest and secondary growth when nectar resources are plentiful. Seasonal movements often track blooming cycles within the same general region.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Gould's inca is a medium-sized Andean hummingbird that plays an important role as a pollinator of cloud-forest plants. It is typically seen at forest edges and along clearings where tubular flowers are abundant. Males often defend rich nectar patches aggressively. The species is generally sedentary but may shift locally with flowering cycles along elevation gradients.
Drinking nectar from hummingbird feeder, Aguas Calientes
Temperament
territorial and bold
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering; strong direct flights between flower patches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary when foraging, with males vigorously defending nectar-rich shrubs. Nests are small cups of moss and plant fibers bound with spider silk, placed on sheltered ledges or branches. Typical clutch is two eggs and both incubation and care occur in concealed sites within dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and buzzy notes given during foraging and territorial chases. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and display flights include rapid trills of mechanical wing sound.
Plumage
Mostly dark, iridescent green to blackish upperparts with a striking, contrasting white collar across the upper breast; underparts otherwise dark. The tail is medium length and slightly graduated, and the overall appearance is sleek with a glossy sheen typical of Coeligena hummingbirds.
Diet
Primarily nectar from long-tubed flowers, including Andean shrubs and vines such as Fuchsia and other bell-shaped blossoms. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders for protein, caught by hawking or gleaning from foliage. Feeds repeatedly at productive flower patches and may chase intruders.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors within humid montane forest. Frequently uses areas rich in epiphytes and flowering shrubs where nectar sources are concentrated.
