The wedge-tailed hillstar is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Argentina and Bolivia.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high Andean puna of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, favoring open, rocky slopes, canyon walls, and scrubby shrublands. It is closely associated with patches of flowering shrubs and cushion plants that bloom in harsh, high-elevation conditions. Birds often forage along cliff faces and in valleys where windbreaks and sun exposure improve nectar availability. Proximity to Polylepis or other high-altitude shrubs is common, and it may also visit gardens in Andean villages.
Altitude Range
3000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean hummingbird is adapted to cold, windy puna habitats and often enters nighttime torpor to conserve energy. It regularly perches between feeding bouts and aggressively defends flowering shrubs. Nests are typically placed on rock ledges or cliff overhangs, protected from the elements. It frequently visits hardy Andean shrubs such as Chuquiraga for nectar.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering; capable of brief glides in mountain updrafts
Social Behavior
Males defend rich floral patches and chase intruders vigorously. Nesting usually occurs on ledges or under rocky overhangs, with a compact cup of plant fibers and spider silk. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, and the female undertakes most incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched chips and buzzy twitters, often given during territorial chases. The song is a rapid series of squeaky notes, not musical but persistent and penetrating in open alpine terrain.
