The spot-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Peru but there are uncorroborated sightings in Ecuador.
Region
Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the arid to semi-arid inter-Andean valleys of northern Peru, especially along the Marañón and adjacent drainages. It uses dry scrub, open deciduous woodland, and river-edge thickets with blooming shrubs and trees. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and hedgerows near settlements if flowers are available. Records from extreme southern Ecuador exist but remain unconfirmed.
Altitude Range
400–2200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spot-throated hummingbird is confined to arid intermontane valleys of northern Peru, with unconfirmed records just across the border in Ecuador. It favors dry scrub and riparian thickets where flowering shrubs are abundant. Like many hummingbirds, it fiercely defends rich nectar sources from intruders. Its subtly speckled throat gives the species its name and helps separate it from similar dull-green “emerald” hummingbirds.
Temperament
territorial around rich flowering patches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting sallies
Social Behavior
Generally solitary when foraging, but may aggregate loosely where flowers are concentrated. Males defend feeding territories vigorously against other hummingbirds. The nest is a small cup attached to a horizontal branch, and the female alone incubates 1–2 eggs and raises the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include thin, high-pitched chips and short dry trills given from exposed perches near feeding areas. Wing hum is audible at close range, and aggressive chases are accompanied by rapid chip notes.
Plumage
Olive to bronze-green upperparts with pale buffy underparts; throat shows dusky spotting or scaling. Tail moderately rounded with greenish to bronzy tones and pale edging. Overall appearance is subdued compared to iridescent hummingbirds, but the throat spotting is distinctive at close range.
Diet
Primarily nectar from flowering shrubs and small trees, probing repeatedly at favored blossoms. It practices traplining between reliable nectar sources but will also hold small territories at rich patches. Small arthropods, especially tiny flies and spiders, are taken by hawking or gleaning to provide protein.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along riparian thickets, arid scrub with blooming cacti and shrubs, and edges of dry woodland. It also uses flowering hedgerows and gardens in rural areas when suitable plants are present.
