The white-bearded helmetcrest is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to northwestern Venezuela.
Region
Venezuelan Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in high-elevation páramo and shrublands above treeline, favoring open slopes with abundant flowering shrubs and frailejones (Espeletia). It uses edges of elfin forest and stunted shrub mosaics, perching on exposed stems to survey flower patches. The species is tightly linked to seasonal blooming cycles in páramo plants. It may shift locally with flowers but remains within the high Andes. Nests are placed in sheltered low vegetation within this open alpine matrix.
Altitude Range
3000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking high-Andean hummingbird is known for the male’s long, white “beard” of elongated throat plumes and a pointed helmet-like crest. It specializes on páramo flowers, especially frailejones (Espeletia), and often defends rich nectar patches aggressively. Females lack the long beard and prominent crest, appearing much plainer. Its restricted range makes it sensitive to habitat changes such as burning and overgrazing.
Feeding on a flower
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside of breeding, with males vigorously defending productive flower patches from intruders. Courtship occurs near favored nectar sites, and the female alone builds a small cup nest low in shrubs or among páramo plants. Clutch size is usually two eggs, with the female handling incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and dry trills given while perching or during brief chases. Wing hum is audible at close range and may accompany display flights.
Plumage
Bronzy-brown upperparts with dusky, gray-brown underparts; males show a long, shaggy white throat beard and a sharp, elongated crest. Females lack the beard and have a shorter crest, presenting plainer brown tones. Both sexes have a slender, straight bill and a somewhat dark tail with subtle pale edging.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from high-Andean plants, notably Espeletia (frailejones), along with other flowering shrubs and bromeliads. Supplements nectar with small arthropods, which provide essential proteins during breeding. Forages by hovering to probe flowers and occasionally gleaning or hawking tiny insects. Defends rich nectar sources and follows local bloom phenology.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open páramo with dense stands of flowering shrubs and frailejones, along ridgelines and sheltered gullies. Also uses edges of elfin forest and rocky slopes where flowers are concentrated. Often perches conspicuously between foraging bouts.
