Order: Trochiliformes Family:
Trochilidae
Scientific name: Oreotrochilus
estella U.S. common name: Andean hillstar
Geographic range currently: Found in the Andes from Peru
to Argentina and Chile
Habitat: Open grasslands and mountains
of the Puna Plateau
Circadian cycle: Diurnal
Size
General range male female birth
Head to tail length: 140
mm
Sexual dimorphism: Male
has an iridescent throat patch that looks black or green depending on the angle
of view.
Reproduction
Nest: A thick walled cup nest of
moss, plant down, and lichens suspended under a cliff overhand, in a cave. or
under house eaves.
General
Social structure: Females hold permanent
territories where nesting takes place, and after nesting the males move out and
live elsewhere,usually at a higher
altitude. They
are non-migratory.
Unique behavior(s): On cold nights it becomes
torpid or inactive, maintaining a reduced body temperature to conserve energy,
reviving and becoming active
in warm sunlight. In open windy places, it
uses its strong feet to cling to branches instead of hovering to feed.
Diet: Nectar from flowers but
insects as well.
Sources
Harrison,
C. & Greensmith, A. 1993. Birds
of the World. DK Publishing, Inc. New York, NY.