The white-sided hillstar is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Bolivia through northwestern Argentina into northern and central Chile, favoring arid to semi-arid Andean foothills and high montane scrub. It uses rocky slopes, quebradas, puna margins, and shrublands with scattered boulders and cliffs. The species concentrates around flowering shrubs and cacti and will use wind-sheltered ravines during harsher weather. In colder seasons, some birds move downslope to nearby valleys while remaining within the Andean region.
Altitude Range
1800–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A high-Andean hummingbird, the white-sided hillstar often perches conspicuously on rocks and shrubs, unlike many hummingbirds that stay within dense cover. It is well adapted to cold, windy slopes and regularly defends flowering shrubs as feeding territories. The species frequently visits Andean shrubs such as Chuquiraga and can nest on sheltered cliff ledges.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with steady hovering
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, with males vigorously defending nectar sources. Pairs form during the breeding season; nests are often placed on ledges or under rock overhangs for shelter. Clutch size is small and parental care includes regular brooding in cold conditions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local altitudinal movements
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and brief buzzy trills given from exposed perches near feeding territories. Calls intensify during territorial chases and courtship displays.
Plumage
Bronzy-green upperparts with clean white underparts and conspicuously white sides; darker central breast/belly area gives a contrasty look. Tail is dark and slightly forked with pale edging; a faint whitish supercilium may be present. Bill is straight and slender, adapted for probing tubular blossoms.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from high-Andean shrubs, especially Chuquiraga, as well as other native shrubs and occasional cactus blossoms. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, captured by aerial hawking or gleaning from foliage. Territorial birds return repeatedly to productive flowering patches and will chase intruders.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along rocky slopes, ravines, and open scrub with scattered flowering shrubs and boulder fields. It often forages from exposed perches, making short sallies to blossoms and insects. Streamside shrub belts in arid valleys can be important foraging sites during the dry season.
