The neblina metaltail, locally called metalura neblina or colibrí de neblina, is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes (Ecuador and northern Peru)
Typical Environment
Occurs on humid eastern Andean slopes in southern Ecuador and adjacent northern Peru. It favors mossy elfin forest, dense cloud-forest edges, and shrubby páramo transition zones with abundant flowering shrubs. Birds are most often found along ridgelines, ravines, and forest gaps where nectar sources are concentrated. It tolerates some habitat edges but is tied to intact high-montane vegetation.
Altitude Range
2400–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean hummingbird patrols small nectar territories in fog-drenched elfin forests, which gave rise to its name neblina (Spanish for mist). Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein. Its iridescent tail reflects vivid metallic hues in good light, a hallmark of metaltails. It is an important pollinator of tubular flowers in remote cloud-forest habitats.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and vigorously defends small nectar patches against other hummingbirds. Nesting involves a small cup of plant fibers and moss placed on a sheltered branch or bank, usually a few meters above ground. Females alone incubate and rear the young; males do not assist after courtship.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and short buzzy trills delivered from low perches or while patrolling flowers. Wing hum is prominent at close range, with brief chase calls during territorial flights.
Plumage
Compact hummingbird with mostly glittering green to bronzy-green plumage and a distinctly iridescent, slightly forked 'metallic' tail. Males show a brighter, more saturated sheen on head and throat; females are duller with paler underparts lightly mottled or scalloped. Both sexes have a straight, slender bill and slightly dusky underparts compared to brighter upperparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers of shrubs and epiphytes, including ericads, bromeliads, and Fuchsia. Also gleans or hawks tiny arthropods such as gnats and small spiders for protein, especially during breeding. Defends rich nectar sources but will also follow a circuit of scattered blooms.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and sheltered gullies where flowers are concentrated. Frequently visits flowering shrubs in elfin forest and shrubby páramo ecotones and uses perches with good views of nectar patches.
