Blue Throated Hillstar

Appearance

• Head: The Blue-throated Hillstar is distinguished by its striking cobalt-blue throat and iridescent green crown, which contrast beautifully with its white underparts.
• Body: The upper parts are a shimmering green, blending seamlessly into a white belly. The blue throat of the male is particularly vivid, while females exhibit a less intense but still noticeable blue.
• Tail: Both sexes have a relatively short, slightly forked tail with dark central feathers and white-tipped outer feathers.
• Size: This medium-sized hummingbird measures about 13-14 centimeters (5-5.5 inches) in length.

Habitat

• The Blue-throated Hillstar is found exclusively in the high-altitude regions of southwestern Ecuador, particularly in the Andean paramo and scrublands at elevations of 3,000 to 3,700 meters (9,800 to 12,100 feet).
• Its habitat consists of a unique combination of high-altitude shrubland and rocky outcrops, where it relies on specific floral resources.

Diet

• The Blue-throated Hillstar feeds primarily on nectar from native paramo flowers, particularly species of Chuquiraga and other high-altitude flora. Its long, specialized bill allows it to extract nectar from deep within these tubular flowers.
• It also supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, providing essential protein for its energy-intensive lifestyle and reproductive needs.

Behavior

• This hillstar is highly adapted to its cold, windy environment. It can often be seen perching on rocks or shrubs, defending its feeding territory from other hummingbirds and pollinators.
• Blue-throated Hillstars are solitary foragers, and males can be particularly territorial, engaging in aggressive displays to protect their nectar sources.

Vocalizations

• The vocalizations of the Blue-throated Hillstar include a series of high-pitched, rapid trills and calls, used primarily for communication and territory defense.