Aglaeactis aliciae
The Purple-backed Sunbeam (Aglaeactis aliciae) is a stunning, medium-sized hummingbird, typically measuring 11-13 cm in length and weighing between 6.7-8.5 grams. Its most striking feature is a brilliant, iridescent purple-blue back and crown that shimmers with coppery or bronzy hues depending on the light, contrasting sharply with its dark, dusky underparts. Distinctive field marks include a small white spot behind the eye and a dark, straight bill. Taxonomically, it belongs to the `Aglaeact...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane scrub, forest edges, and Polylepis woodlands in the high Andes, often favoring areas with abundant flowering plants. It is found at elevations ranging from 2,700 to 4,200 meters above sea level.
Its diet primarily consists of nectar, extracted from a variety of high-Andean flowering plants such as Puya, Brachyotum, and Eucalyptus. Small insects, often hawked in flight or gleaned from foliage, supplement its diet, providing essential protein.
Purple-backed Sunbeams are diurnal and highly active, spending much of their day foraging for nectar and insects. They employ a 'traplining' foraging strategy, visiting a regular circuit of flowering plants, but will also defend particularly rich patches of flowers. Males are known to be territor...
The Purple-backed Sunbeam is endemic to the Andes of south-central Peru, where it is a resident species throughout its range. Its distribution spans specific departments including Ayacucho, ApurÃmac, and extending into parts of Cuzco and Puno. The species primarily occupies a narrow elevational b...
Least Concern
- The Purple-backed Sunbeam is an endemic species, found only in a relatively small, specific region of south-central Peru. - Its iridescent purple-blue back can appear brilliant bronze or coppery depending on the angle of light, making it a challenging and rewarding bird to observe. - Despite it...