The purple-throated sunangel is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and elfin forests, forest edges, and shrubby ravines in the northern and central Andes of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Often forages along roadsides and in gardens where flowering shrubs are abundant. Prefers areas with dense understory and frequent mists typical of cloud forests. It is generally sedentary but may shift locally with flower availability.
Altitude Range
2200–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean hummingbird, the purple-throated sunangel is named for the male’s brilliant, iridescent violet-purple throat patch (gorget). It aggressively defends rich flower patches, often chasing larger hummingbirds. Females build tiny cup nests and raise two chicks. It occurs locally in the high montane forests of Ecuador and Peru.
Temperament
territorial and pugnacious around flowers
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary when foraging, vigorously defending nectar sources from intruders. Courtship involves swift chases and display flights by the male near favored flowering shrubs. The female builds a small cup nest on a sheltered branch and incubates two eggs; the male does not assist with incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and short buzzy trills given from low perches. Males also emit rapid, tinkling notes during display flights, interspersed with dry chatters while defending territories.
Plumage
Compact hummingbird with bronzy-green upperparts and a glittering purple throat set off by a pale to whitish pectoral band; underparts dusky with rufous-tinged flanks. Tail slightly forked and dark with subtle gloss. Feathers show strong iridescence, changing with light angle.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from Andean shrubs and trees, including Fuchsia and other tubular flowers suited to its bill. Supplements nectar with small arthropods caught in the air or gleaned from foliage, providing essential protein. Will visit gardens and roadside blooms when native flowers are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at flowering shrubs along forest edges, clearings, and in secondary growth, often at eye level to mid-canopy. Also forages along streams and in elfin forest where blossoms are concentrated.
