The green-backed hillstar, formerly included in the white-tailed hillstar, is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andes from southwestern Colombia through Ecuador into northern Peru. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and shrubby ravines. The species is commonly found along streams and roadsides where flowering plants are concentrated. It often uses areas rich in epiphytes and flowering shrubs such as Ericaceae and Melastomataceae. Local movements may track seasonal blooms.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Green-backed Hillstar is a mid-sized Andean hummingbird that was recently split from the White-tailed Hillstar. It forages by traplining, visiting a regular circuit of flowering shrubs and trees. Despite its name, it often shows a contrastingly pale tail with a dark subterminal band, and sexes are similar with subtle differences in sheen. It frequents humid montane forests and edges, especially where epiphytes and flowering shrubs are abundant.
Juvenile showing thin rufous malar
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering; quick, darting flights between flowers
Social Behavior
Generally solitary while foraging and defends rich flower patches against other hummingbirds. The female builds a small cup nest from plant down, fibers, and moss, often placed on a sheltered branch or ledge. Clutches typically contain two eggs, and the female alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin chips and high, squeaky tseet notes given at intervals. Wingbeats produce a noticeable mechanical buzz, and brief trills may be used in close-range interactions at feeding sites.
