The pink-throated brilliant 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 on the east Andean slopes of southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northern Peru. It inhabits humid lower montane and foothill evergreen forests, including forest edges and tall secondary growth. Birds are frequently found along ravines and streamside vegetation with abundant flowering shrubs and epiphytes. They will also visit clearings and gardens with suitable flowering plants near forest.
Altitude Range
500–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking hummingbird of the Andean foothills, the pink-throated brilliant is named for the male’s iridescent magenta-pink gorget. It hovers expertly to feed on nectar and also takes small insects for protein. By visiting a wide variety of tubular flowers, it serves as an important pollinator in humid montane forests.
Pink-throated Brilliant
Temperament
territorial around rich flower patches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Typically solitary when foraging, with males defending nectar territories. Nests are tiny cup structures of plant down and moss, placed on horizontal branches or sheltered forks. Females alone incubate and rear the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local elevational movements
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short twitters given from perches or while foraging. Wing hum is audible at close range. Males may deliver brief, tinkling sequences during territorial displays.
