Oreotrochilus leucopleurus
The White-sided Hillstar, *Oreotrochilus leucopleurus*, is a striking high-Andean hummingbird, measuring approximately 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 in) in length and weighing around 7.5-8.5 grams. Males boast a dazzling iridescent green gorget, separated from pure white underparts by a distinct dark blue-black breast band. Their upperparts are bronzy-green, and a key identification feature for both sexes are the prominent white flanks, contrasting with a dark tail that often shows white tips on the oute...
Found in high-altitude Andean environments, typically above 2,000 meters, inhabiting puna grasslands, rocky slopes, and scrubland, often near flowering vegetation and water sources.
Primarily feeds on nectar from high-Andean flowering plants such as *Chuquiraga* and *Mutisia*, supplemented by small insects and spiders caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation.
White-sided Hillstars are active during daylight hours, often seen perching on prominent rocks or shrubs between foraging bouts. To conserve energy during frigid Andean nights, they frequently enter a state of torpor. Their foraging strategy involves both hovering and perching to access nectar fr...
The White-sided Hillstar is endemic to the high Andes of southern South America. Its primary breeding range extends from central Chile (Atacama region) southward through Patagonia to Magallanes, and in Argentina from Jujuy province south to Santa Cruz province. This species typically inhabits ele...
Least Concern
- White-sided Hillstars can enter a state of torpor (a hibernation-like state) at night to survive the freezing temperatures of their high-altitude habitat, significantly slowing their metabolism. - Unlike many hummingbirds that exclusively hover, hillstars frequently perch to feed, a behavior th...