The rufous-gaped hillstar, formerly included in the white-tailed hillstar, is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid foothill and montane forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and along ravines and streams. It is found in southwestern Colombia south into northwestern Ecuador. Birds often visit flowering shrubs and bromeliads at forest margins and secondary growth. They may make short upslope or downslope movements following flower availability. Presence near human-altered habitats occurs where native flowering plants persist.
Altitude Range
400–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hummingbird was recently split from the white-tailed hillstar complex, with the northern population now called the rufous-gaped hillstar. It shows a distinctive rufous-colored gape at the base of the bill and frequents humid Andean foothills. Like many hummingbirds, it fiercely defends rich flower patches. It supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
rapid hovering and short direct sallies
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers, where individuals defend productive shrubs or trees against other hummingbirds. Courtship is subtle; there is no elaborate male display arena. The female builds a tiny cup nest of plant fibers and moss, often on sheltered branches or banks, and alone incubates and raises the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and brief twitters delivered from perches between feeding bouts. Wing hum is audible at close range, and calls become sharper during territorial chases.
