The olivaceous thornbill is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the central and southern Peruvian Andes and adjacent Bolivian Andes. Inhabits high-elevation shrublands, elfin forest edges, Polylepis woodlands, and puna with scattered flowering shrubs. Frequently seen at ecotones, landslide scars, and hedgerows where tubular flowers are abundant. It uses both territorial defense and traplining to exploit patchy nectar resources. Often perches conspicuously between foraging bouts.
Altitude Range
2700–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The olivaceous thornbill is a high-Andean hummingbird of the coquette tribe (Lesbiini), occurring in Peru and Bolivia. It forages at high elevations where few hummingbirds can thrive, often visiting flowers of shrubs like Chuquiraga and Puya. Males can be notably territorial around rich flower patches, while both sexes also follow traplines between blooms. Its short, needle-like bill gives the group its 'thornbill' name.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary when feeding, with males defending clusters of flowering shrubs. Uses perches to survey and sally between flowers. Nests are small cup nests placed on sheltered branches; the female incubates and raises the young. Courtship is subtle compared to more ornate coquettes, relying on chases and display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tseets and rapid chips given during foraging and territorial interactions. Wing hum is pronounced at close range, and males add brief dry trills in disputes.
Plumage
Overall dull olive to bronzy-olive with slightly paler, gray-olive underparts and a subtle buff wash; tail often with a faint rufous or bronzy tone. Feathers appear matte with limited iridescence compared with many hummingbirds. Bill short, straight, and needle-like; tail medium-length and slightly forked to square.
Diet
Primarily nectar from high-Andean shrubs and herbs, including Chuquiraga, Barnadesia, and Puya where available. Supplements nectar with small arthropods for protein, captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage and flowers. Will visit flowering trees and edge vegetation, shifting locally as bloom cycles change.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, Polylepis groves, and shrubby puna with dense flower patches. Often forages low to mid-shrub level, occasionally higher in canopy edges on sunny, wind-sheltered slopes.
