The southern giant hummingbird is one of two species in the genus Patagona and the second largest hummingbird species, after its close relative the northern giant hummingbird.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Found along the central and southern Andes from southern Peru and Bolivia south through Chile and western Argentina. Occupies arid to semi-arid montane scrub, open slopes with cacti and bromeliads, Andean valleys, and edges of Polylepis or other woodland. In Chile and Argentina it also uses coastal and intermontane valleys and can occur in gardens with abundant tubular flowers. Seasonal elevational movements are common, tracking flower availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The southern giant hummingbird is one of two species in the genus Patagona and, after the northern giant hummingbird, is the second largest hummingbird in the world. Despite its size, it can hover deftly, though with notably slower, deeper wingbeats than most hummingbirds. It often patrols long flowering routes along Andean slopes and will defend rich nectar sources vigorously.
In Cusco, Peru
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
slow, powerful wingbeats with sustained hovering; strong direct flights along slopes
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and defends productive flower patches. Courtship and territorial displays are performed from exposed perches with short chases. The nest is a small cup placed on a branch or shrub, and the typical clutch is two eggs with the female handling incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tseep and ticking notes given from exposed perches. Wingbeats produce a noticeably low thrumming hum that can be heard at close range, supplementing its otherwise modest calls.
