The Ecuadorian Hillstar, also known as the Violet-Hooded Hillstar and Chimborazo Hillstar, is a species of hummingbirds belonging to the Trochilidae family and the genus Oreotrochilus. This bird species has two subspecies and is found in the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains in South America, with elevations ranging from 11,500 to 17,100 feet (3,500-2,500 meters). The distribution of this species depends on the distribution of its subspecies, which are the Oreotrochilus Chimborazo Jamesonii native to southern Colombia and northern Ecuador, and the Oreotrochilus Chimborazo Chimborazo restricted to central Ecuador, particularly Mt. Chimborazo.
Due to the severe weather conditions and freezing cold in their habitat, these birds build large nests in enclosed and cozy places such as caves, gullies, or steep ravine walls. They use dry grass, moss, feathers, roots, and fur to build their breeding nests in closely packed large colonies to keep themselves warm. At night, they do not leave their nests, which are usually in caves or crevices, to stay warm in the low night temperatures. To learn more interesting facts about the Ecuadorian Hillstar, continue reading.
Can you identify the species of an Ecuadorian Hillstar?
The Ecuadorian hillstar, scientifically known as Oreotrochilus chimborazo, falls under the trochilidae family and is a bird species.
Let’s talk about the Ecuadorian hills tar, also known as Oreotrochilus chimborazo. This tiny bird belongs to the Aves class and the Trochilidae family of the Apodiformes order. It is a unique species found only in the hills of Ecuador. Have you ever wondered how many of them exist in the world?
The exact number of Ecuadorian hillstars subspecies worldwide remains uncertain. These birds are commonly spotted throughout their habitat, but their distribution becomes irregular at lower altitudes. Fortunately, this species is not facing any significant threats within its range, and its population is currently assumed to be stable without any evidence of decline. So, where do the Ecuadorian hillstars live?
The Ecuadorian Hillstar is a species of hummingbirds that is indigenous to South America. Its range map encompasses the higher elevations of the Andes in Ecuador and extends all the way down to the southern regions of Colombia. These birds primarily inhabit the hillsides of Ecuador and can also be found in the southern parts of Colombia.
Ecuadorian Hillstars are known to inhabit high-altitude areas of mountains that span up to the snowline levels. They can be found at elevations ranging from 11,500 to 17,100 feet (3500-5200 m) and prefer living in grassland habitats with stunted trees and shrubs. Some members of this species also reside in humid forests on rocky mountain slopes. These birds have adapted to living in man-made structures as well and are often seen in burnt pastures and areas with destroyed vegetation.
Ecuadorian hillstars can be spotted in the high altitudes of the Andes and Colombia. They prefer to construct their nests in enclosed areas to keep them warm and cozy. Interestingly, these tiny birds tend to build their nests close to one another. Have you ever wondered about their lifespan? How long do Ecuadorian hillstars live?
It’s unclear how long an Ecuadorean hillstar hummingbird lives for. Nonetheless, in their natural habitat, these tiny birds usually survive for three to five years. Now, let’s talk about their reproduction process.
The Ecuadorian hillstar’s breeding season is believed to last all year round as nests are found throughout the year, with peak breeding season occurring from October to February. These hummingbirds use ultrasonic sound waves to attract potential partners, with males producing calls that only other males of the same species can hear. During courtship displays, the male bird inflates its throat to show off its iridescent purple feathers. If the female is interested, she will join in the display, otherwise, she will chase away the male. After breeding, the female produces a clutch of two eggs which have a long incubation period usually taken care of by the female alone. Male hillstars do not participate in parental care or feeding the chicks. As for their conservation status, it is unclear.
The Oreotrochilus chimborazo, commonly known as the Ecuadorian Hillstar, is considered a species of Least Concern in the Red List published by the IUCN. These birds are typically found in the higher altitudes of the Andes in Ecuador and parts of Colombia, including southern Colombia. However, despite their restricted range, they do not meet the criteria to be classified as vulnerable species due to their fairly stable distribution across their range. Furthermore, their natural habitat remains relatively undisturbed and is not subjected to a high level of degradation.
Some fun facts about the Ecuadorian Hillstar include their unique appearance. They have a small, compact body with iridescent green feathers on their head and back. Their wings and tail feathers are dark brown, and they have a distinctive white spot above their eyes. These birds also have specially adapted beaks that allow them to feed on nectar from flowers found in their high-altitude habitats. Despite their small size, these birds are capable of flying long distances and are known to migrate to lower elevations during the winter months.
The Ecuadorian hillstar hummingbird is a stunning species of hummingbird that can be found in the mountainous areas of Ecuador and Colombia, distinguished by its unique appearance. Unlike other hummingbirds, male birds have olive green upper parts with a shimmery violet-purple crown bordered by a thin black stripe around the chest. The lower breast and rump are covered in white feathers. On the other hand, female birds have pale green upper parts and shiny green lower parts. They are undeniably cute and colorful creatures that fascinate humans. In terms of communication, they mainly use vocalizations such as a melodious tsir and tseek call and can also produce ultrasonic sounds. As for their size, the Ecuadorian hillstar hummingbird’s dimensions are not mentioned in this article.
The Ecuadorian hillstar boasts an average length of 5 inches (13 cm), which is slightly larger than Anna’s hummingbirds by about 1 inch (2.54 cm). While hummingbirds are known for their fast-flying abilities, the speed of the Ecuadorian hillstar remains unknown. Additionally, information on the weight of this bird species is currently unavailable.
Did you know that the typical weight of an Ecuadorian hillstar bird is 0.3 ounces or 8 grams? Both male and female species do not have specific names and are simply referred to as “cock” and “hen,” respectively. A baby Ecuadorian hillstar is called a “chick.” These birds are omnivorous and feed on nectar, flowers, and insects in winter. They are not dangerous and are not suitable as pets since they belong in the wild.
Unlike other species of hummingbirds that hover and fly around their food source, Ecuadorian Hillstars forage by landing on the ground like mockingbirds. What makes them special is their geographical range as one of the highest altitude birds that inhabit the Andes mountains along with Andean condors and Andean flamingos in South America. Additionally, they have a unique and striking plumage that sets them apart from other hummingbirds. In comparison to other Hillstars, the Ecuadorian Hillstar is a mid-sized hummingbird larger than the bee hummingbird species. They are strong and hardy but not as sturdy as the rufous hummingbird.
