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.
