The Wedge-tailed Hillstar (Oreotrochilus adela) is a small hummingbird found in the Andes mountains of South America. With its distinctive wedged tail and vibrant plumage, this species has captivated ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.
Physical Description
The wedge-tailed hillstar reaches about 10-12 cm in length and weighs around 5-7 grams. The male has brilliant emerald green upperparts and wings, with a metallic bronze-green crown. The underparts are cinnamon-rufous, with a white stripe behind the eye. As the name suggests, the tail is uniquely wedged or forked. The female is similar but less vividly colored, with more gray-brown plumage overall. The long bill, adapted for nectar-feeding from flowers, is slightly curved.
Distribution and Habitat
This hummingbird has a relatively restricted range in the Andes of western South America. It is found in parts of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina between elevations of 3000-5000 meters. The wedge-tailed hillstar inhabits high-altitude Polylepis woodlands and scrublands, subtropical forests, and alpine meadows. It tends to favor habitats with an abundance of flowering plants.
Behavior and Ecology
The wedge-tailed hillstar feeds mainly on nectar from flowers using its specialized long tongue. Some favorite nectar sources include plants from the genera Salvia, Fuchsia, and Alstroemeria. The bird also feeds on small insects to obtain proteins and nutrients. Its wings beat an astounding 70 times per second during flight.
Reproduction in this species begins around October. The female builds a delicate cup nest out of plant fibers and feathers, typically on a vertical rock face or bank. She lays 1-2 tiny white eggs, which she incubates alone for about 16-19 days. The male does not participate in incubation or nesting duties. The young fledge the nest at 22-26 days old.
Conservation Status
The wedge-tailed hillstar has a relatively wide distribution and large population, estimated at 10,000 to 1 million individuals. The IUCN Red List categorizes it as a species of Least Concern. However, some localized populations may be threatened by habitat loss from development, grazing, and the impacts of climate change. Protection of Polylepis woodlands and other hig…