The tourmaline sunangel is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Found on humid montane slopes of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador, mainly in cloud forests and elfin forests. It favors forest edges, gaps, and shrubby second growth where nectar plants are abundant. The species also frequents riparian thickets and flowering gardens in rural highlands. It typically remains within a relatively small elevational band, shifting locally as flowers bloom.
Altitude Range
1800–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean hummingbird, the tourmaline sunangel often defends rich flower patches with surprising boldness. Males flash an iridescent, jewel-like throat that shifts color with the light, inspiring the name “tourmaline.” It is an important pollinator of high-montane shrubs and often visits tubular flowers along forest edges.
Temperament
territorial around flowering shrubs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary while foraging, with males vigorously defending nectar sources from other hummingbirds. Courtship involves aerial chases and display postures that show off the throat patch. The small cup nest is built by the female from plant fibers and lichens, and she alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and brief twitters given during foraging and interactions. Males may add a rapid, tinkling series during territorial disputes, often delivered from a prominent perch.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts and underparts with a contrasting, glittering gorget in males and a narrow pale breast band. Tail appears dark with a bronzy gloss; females are duller with a speckled buffy throat and warmer cinnamon underparts.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, especially ericaceous shrubs and vines, probing repeatedly and often returning to favored patches. Supplements nectar with small arthropods, which provide essential proteins. Insects are taken by hawking in short sallies or gleaned from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, flowering clearings, and shrubby ravines where bloom density is high. Also visits gardens and roadsides at elevation when native flowers are abundant.
