What Is a White-Tailed Hillstar
The White-Tailed Hillstar is a small to medium hummingbird that inhabits the high Andes. Notable for its white outer tail feathers, this species is adapted to cool paramo environments, making it a rare sight for many birders, as explained in articles about the White-Eared Hummingbird.
Taxonomy and Scientific Name
The White-Tailed Hillstar belongs to the genus Urochroa, with bougueri as the species name. Commonly, field guides refer to it simply as the White-Tailed Hillstar.
Where This Bird Fits In the Hummingbird Family
It is one of the high altitude hummingbirds of the Andes, adapted to nectar feeding at extreme elevations, a niche shared with other alpine species such as the Broad-tailed Hummingbird and the Green-Crowned Brilliant.
Appearance and Physical Features
The White-Tailed Hillstar features iridescent green upperparts with lighter underparts, and its most striking trait is its white outer tail feathers visible in flight.
Size and Plumage
Size ranges from small to medium for a hummingbird, with vivid green iridescence that shifts with light.
The White-Tailed Hillstar presents a compact silhouette popular among high altitude watchers, aiding camouflage among paramo grasses.
Tail Characteristics
Prominent white outer tail feathers aid in aerial maneuvering, especially during high-speed glides between tufts of grass. The White-Tailed Hillstar uses its white outer tail feathers during flight to aid maneuvering.
Habitat and Range in the Andes
Elevation and Paramo Habitat: Found in high elevation paramos and puna zones, the White-Tailed Hillstar endures cool winds and thinner air.
Elevation and Paramo Habitat
It is typically found above 3,500 meters, perched among cushion plants and tussocks that favor nectar sources.
This specialization suits windswept, open landscapes where flowering plants diversify with seasonal rains.
Geographic Distribution
Geographically, it occurs in select Andean regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, with habitat patches that can be fragmented across the range, similar to the Plain-capped Starthroat.
Diet and Nutrition
Nectar from high altitude flowering plants provides the core energy, supplemented by small insects when available to meet protein needs.
Primary Food Sources
- Nectar from high altitude flowers
- Small insects for protein
Nectar-rich flowers at high elevations support the White-Tailed Hillstar’s high metabolism in the thin air.
Foraging Behavior
Hover feeding is common, allowing precise energy intake measurements during brief forays from perches, similar to the Fiery-throated Hummingbird.
Is White-Tailed Hillstar Right for You
Experienced birders seeking rare high altitude species will find this bird rewarding, as will observers acclimated to high elevations and Andean ecosystems.
Who Should Look For This Bird
- Experienced birder seeking rare high altitude species
- Observers acclimated to high elevations
- Field observers focused on Andean ecosystems
Observing the White-Tailed Hillstar can be a challenging yet educational experience for those who understand, and this interest should be coupled with careful field planning. For observers, the White-Tailed Hillstar represents a challenging yet rewarding target.
Conservation Considerations and Responsible Observation
Observe from a distance to minimize disturbance, respect protected areas, and support habitat conservation in paramo regions. Sustainable viewing practices help protect this species and its high altitude home.
Final Note
Respectful wildlife watching is essential when exploring extreme elevations where the White-Tailed Hillstar thrives, ensuring minimal disturbance to nests and feeding sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the White-Tailed Hillstar and where is it found?
The White-Tailed Hillstar is a high elevation hummingbird native to the Andes, typically found in paramo regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
How can you identify the White-Tailed Hillstar in the wild?
Look for green iridescent upperparts, a white tail with prominent outer tail feathers, and a preference for high altitude paramo habitats.
What does the White-Tailed Hillstar eat and how does it forage?
It feeds on nectar from high altitude flowering plants and occasionally small insects, often by hovering during feeding.
At what elevations does the White-Tailed Hillstar occur?
It is typically found at elevations above 3,500 meters in Andean páramo and puna zones.
