Heliangelus regalis
The Royal Sunangel (Heliangelus regalis) is a resplendent medium-sized hummingbird, measuring approximately 10-12 cm in length and weighing 4-6 grams. Males are breathtaking, sporting an iridescent, deep violet-blue crown, a sparkling emerald-green gorget, and a striking, saturated royal blue body, contrasting with a dark, deeply forked tail. Females are generally duller, primarily green above with a grayish breast and often lacking the male's vibrant gorget, though some may show green spangl...
This species exclusively inhabits humid, mossy montane cloud forests and forest edges, often preferring dense undergrowth near clearings. It typically occurs at high elevations, ranging from 1,400 to 2,800 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of nectar, extracted from a variety of flowering plants, complemented by small arthropods, which are typically hawked in flight.
The Royal Sunangel is primarily diurnal, actively foraging for nectar and insects throughout the day, often becoming more active during crepuscular hours. It employs a traplining foraging strategy for nectar, visiting a circuit of flowering plants, and also hawks small insects in flight. Males ar...
The Royal Sunangel possesses a highly restricted and fragmented breeding range, found exclusively in the Andes of northern Peru. Its distribution is limited to a few isolated mountain ranges, specifically in the departments of Cajamarca, San MartÃn, and Amazonas. There are no known wintering grou...
Endangered
- The Royal Sunangel was only formally described in 1951, making it a relatively recent discovery for such a strikingly colored bird. - Its iridescent royal blue plumage is one of the most intense and widespread blues found on any hummingbird. - Unlike many hummingbirds that use their tail in cou...