Heliangelus spencei
The Merida Sunangel, scientific name *Heliangelus spencei*, is a captivating and localized hummingbird species, primarily distinguished by the male's dazzling iridescent plumage. Males typically measure around 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches) and weigh 4.4-6.3 grams, showcasing a brilliant violet-blue gorget and breast, often complemented by a noticeable whitish or buff postocular spot. Their upperparts are a shimmering green, contrasting with a longish, straight black bill and a distinctly forked tai...
Found primarily in humid montane cloud forest edges, elfin forest, and paramo scrub. It thrives at elevations between 2,000 and 3,100 meters (6,560-10,170 feet).
Their diet consists mainly of nectar from various high-altitude flowering plants (e.g., Ericaceae, Gesneriaceae), supplemented by small insects captured in flight or gleaned from foliage.
Merida Sunangels are diurnal and typically solitary, foraging actively throughout the day. They employ a 'trap-lining' strategy, visiting a regular circuit of flowering plants to extract nectar, often hovering deftly in front of blossoms. Aerial insect hawking is also a common foraging technique,...
The Merida Sunangel is strictly endemic to the Cordillera de Mérida, a prominent mountain range within the Venezuelan Andes. Its distribution spans from the state of Trujillo in the north, through Mérida state, and south to Táchira state. This species is a non-migratory resident, remaining year-r...
Least Concern
- The Merida Sunangel is considered endemic to a very specific and limited region of the Venezuelan Andes. - Its scientific name, *Heliangelus spencei*, honors William Spence, a British naturalist and collector. - Males possess one of the most striking violet-blue gorgets among all hummingbird sp...