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Photo: © Ottavio Janni eBird S21706651 Macaulay Library ML 2464231
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Rufous-gaped Hillstar

Urochroa bougueri
Colibrí Naguiblanco
map-colombia-rufous-gaped-hillstar
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Song

Rufous-gaped Hillstar

Appearance: The Rufous-gaped Hillstar is a small hummingbird with a rufous-colored patch on its throat and upper breast. It has a green back and wings, and a white belly. The male has a metallic green crown while the female has a duller green crown.
Habitat: This species is found in montane forests and shrublands at elevations between 2000 and 3500 m above sea level.
Behavior: The Rufous-gaped Hillstar is a solitary bird that feeds on nectar from flowers and insects. It is known for its hovering flight and rapid wingbeats.
Breeding: The breeding habits of the Rufous-gaped Hillstar are not well-documented but it is believed to build a cup-shaped nest made of plant fibers and spider silk.
Conservation status: The Rufous-gaped Hillstar is considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Colombia, where it is found in the Andes mountains in the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Quindio, Risaralda, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca, and Nariño.

Taxonomy

The Rufous-gaped Hillstar (Urochroa bougueri)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Genus: Urochroa
  • Species: Urochroa bougueri

Vocalization

The Rufous-gaped Hillstar is a species of hummingbird found in parts western Andean regions. Its vocalizations are often high-pitched and can include a variety of calls and songs  for communication, territory defense, and attracting mates.
Chirps and Chips: Short, sharp sounds that can vary in pitch and intensity.
Trills: Rapid sequences of notes that can be used in territorial displays.
Buzzes: These are often produced during flight and can be part of their song repertoire.