Mountain avocetbill

The mountain avocetbill is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Northern Andes

Typical Environment

Occurs discontinuously along the Andes from central Colombia through Ecuador into northern Peru. Prefers humid montane cloud forests, elfin forest, forest edges, and shrubby clearings with abundant flowers. Often frequents Chusquea bamboo, treefall gaps, and streamside thickets where nectar plants are concentrated. It typically forages from the understory to mid-canopy, using short sallies and hover-feeding at blossoms.

Altitude Range

1800–3600 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size9–10 cm

Wing Span11–13 cm

Male Weight0.004 kg

Female Weight0.0042 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The mountain avocetbill is a small Andean hummingbird and the sole member of its genus, notable for its short, distinctly upturned bill reminiscent of an avocet’s. It inhabits humid montane forests and elfin woodlands of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, where it forages close to flowering shrubs. Though local and often inconspicuous, it can be quite bold around rich nectar sources. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering

Social Behavior

Usually solitary away from nectar hotspots, where it may defend favored flower patches against other small hummingbirds. Nesting is typical of hummingbirds: a small cup nest placed on horizontal branches or in sheltered forks, with the female solely responsible for incubation and chick care. Courtship displays are brief and localized, and pairs do not form long-term bonds.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are soft, high, and thin, consisting of short tsee or tzip notes given intermittently while foraging. Wing trills may be audible during close fly-bys. It is generally quiet and more often detected by behavior than by voice.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Mountain blackeye

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Mountain bluebird

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Mountain bulbul

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