The shining sunbeam is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andean slopes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, favoring high-elevation habitats. It uses elfin forests, cloud forest edges, shrubby páramo, and disturbed clearings with abundant flowering shrubs. The species readily visits roadsides, forest borders, and highland gardens where nectar sources are concentrated. It is typically found in areas with scattered shrubs and small trees rather than dense interior forest.
Altitude Range
2000–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The shining sunbeam is a high-Andean hummingbird famed for the brilliant white lower-back patch that flashes like a sunbeam when it catches the light. Its overall warm coppery plumage is unusual among hummingbirds. It fiercely defends rich flowering shrubs and often perches conspicuously between feeding bouts. Though largely resident, it can shift elevation locally as flowers bloom.
Temperament
territorial and bold
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering; strong flier
Social Behavior
Usually solitary at flowers, with males defending rich nectar patches vigorously. Pairs form briefly during the breeding season; the female builds a small cup nest of plant down and fibers. Clutches are typically two eggs, and the female alone incubates and tends the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and squeaky twitters delivered from exposed perches. Wingbeats produce an audible hum, and excitement calls can become a rapid, buzzy chatter.
Plumage
Overall rich coppery to rufous with a glossy sheen and a distinctive brilliant white lower-back patch; tail rufous-copper and slightly notched.
Diet
Primarily nectar from tubular flowers of high-Andean shrubs and trees (e.g., Ericaceae, Fuchsia, Puya), which it accesses by hovering or briefly perching. It supplements nectar with small arthropods, gleaned from foliage or caught in short sallies. This protein intake is important during breeding and for feather maintenance.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, shrubby páramo, elfin forest margins, and flowering hedgerows, often where blooms are concentrated by disturbance. It also frequents highland gardens and roadsides with nectar-rich plantings.
