Ecuador-Andean hummingbird

Ecuador-Andean hummingbird

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The Ecuadorian Andean hummingbird(Oreotrochilus chimborazo) is a 13 cm tall member of the hummingbird family (Trochilidae). It only occurs in a small Andean area from southern Colombia to northern Ecuador, in South America.

Males and females of the Ecuadorian Andean hummingbird look very different, i.e. they exhibit sexual dimorphism. The plumage of the males is coloured olive green on the upper side of the body, but white on the underside. The head is a bright violet to blue colour that fades into emerald green at the throat. The plumage of the females is pale green on the upper side and white to grey on the underside. This makes the females much less conspicuous than the males. The beak is quite short and slightly curved for a hummingbird.

The habitat of the Ecuadorian Andean hummingbird is the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes at an altitude of between 3500 m and 5200 m above sea level. Like all hummingbirds, it feeds mainly on flower nectar. Unlike many other species, however, the Ecuadorian Andean hummingbird does not hover in front of its food flower, but clings to the plant with its relatively strong feet while feeding. It also supplements its diet with various insects, which it either catches in flight or picks from its food plants.

The breeding season of the Ecuadorian Andean hummingbird is between October and February. The nest is built from moss, roots, grass, feathers and animal hair in a cave or crevice so that it is well protected from bad weather. The clutch typically consists of two eggs, which are incubated exclusively by the female. Nothing more is known about the breeding behaviour.

The population of the Ecuadorian Andean hummingbird is currently not endangered, despite its small range. This is mainly due to the fact that it lives in very remote areas and also copes well with human influences.