The Mérida sunangel is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Venezuelan Andes
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Cordillera de Mérida in western Venezuela, occurring in Mérida and adjacent Andean states. It uses humid montane cloud forests, elfin forest, and shrubby páramo edges, especially along forest margins and clearings with abundant flowers. The species often forages in secondary growth, along streams, and in gardens or shade-coffee where native shrubs persist. It favors densely flowered shrubs such as Fuchsia, Ericaceae, and bromeliads.
Altitude Range
1700–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mérida sunangel is a small hummingbird of the Venezuelan Andes, where it frequents cloud-forest edges and páramo ecotones. Males show a glittering violet throat bordered by a crisp white pectoral band, a classic sunangel hallmark. It is an important pollinator of high-Andean flowers and also supplements its nectar diet with tiny insects.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary while foraging and strongly defends rich flower patches against other hummingbirds. Pairs form during the breeding season; the nest is a tiny cup of plant fibers and moss placed on a horizontal branch. Typical clutch is two white eggs, with the female handling incubation and most chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high, thin chips and buzzy trills given during chases and territorial displays. Song is a faint, tinkling series interspersed with dry buzzes, often delivered from a low perch near flowering shrubs.
