Lafresnaya lafresnayi
The Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi) is a striking, medium-sized hummingbird renowned for its deep, iridescent green plumage, particularly the distinctive 'velvet' sheen on its breast, which can appear matte in certain lights. Males boast a glittering green body, often with a blue-green throat and breast, complemented by a prominent white post-ocular spot. Their relatively long, straight bill, frequently featuring a reddish base, is a key field mark, as are their conspicuous whit...
Found in humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, bushy clearings, and páramo borders, typically at elevations between 1,500 and 3,700 meters (4,900-12,100 feet).
Primarily nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects caught in flight; foraging occurs via hovering.
Mountain Velvetbreasts are highly active, diurnal birds, constantly on the move, engaging in trap-lining to visit a consistent circuit of flowering plants for nectar. They employ a classic hovering technique while feeding and are adept at hawking small insects in mid-air to supplement their diet ...
The Mountain Velvetbreast is a resident species distributed throughout the humid montane regions of the Andes mountains. Its extensive range stretches from western Venezuela, across all three Andean cordilleras of Colombia, through Ecuador, and into northern Peru. Subspecies distribution is local...
Least Concern
- The genus name 'Lafresnaya' and the specific epithet 'lafresnayi' form a rare tautonym, both honoring French ornithologist Frédéric de Lafresnaye. - Its common name, 'Velvetbreast,' refers to the deep, almost matte green appearance of its chest, which can look less glittery than other iridescen...