bearded mountaineer birds
bearded mountaineer birds

The Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird (Oreonympha nobilis) is a species of hummingbird that is found in the Andes of Cusco region in Peru. This striking bird is known for its distinctive iridescent plumage and its unique habitat in the mountainous terrain of the Andes. In this guide, we will explore the diet, habitat, and interesting facts about the Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird, making it an exciting addition to any birding or birdwatching excursion in Cusco.

Diet

The Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of mountain flowers, such as the Nicotiana. They also consume small insects, spiders and spiders’ eggs for protein, which is important for their diet as a supplement for energy to feed their fast metabolism and for the development of their young.

Habitat

The Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird is found in high-altitude areas of the Andes, between elevations of 2,900 and 4,000 meters. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including cloud forests, alpine meadows, and rocky outcrops. This bird species is elusive and hard to spot in their natural habitat, which makes the birdwatching experience more rewarding.

Birdwatching and Bird Photography

The Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird is a rare and elusive bird that is a prized sighting for birdwatchers and bird photographers. The best time to spot them is in the early morning when they are most active. Photographers can take advantage of the natural light, which is optimal for capturing the iridescent colors of the bird’s plumage. It is recommended to use a long lens, tripod and take your time. The Cusco region offers a variety of birdwatching excursions and it is known for being a hotspot for Andean bird photography. Contact us for tours informacion.

Facts

The Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird is a sexually dimorphic species, meaning that males and females have distinct physical characteristics. Males have a distinctive beard-like tuft of feathers on their throat, while females have an orange throat patch.

They are one of the smallest species of hummingbirds, measuring only 8-9 cm in length.

This species is considered to be a resident of the Cusco area, meaning it does not migrate to other regions.

The Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird is near-threatened and its population is in decline. Habitat loss and fragmentation, mining, and overgrazing by livestock are the main threats to this species.

As a reminder, it’s important to take into account conservation efforts to protect and preserve the habitat of the Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird and all bird species.

Colourful Birding invites you to discover beautiful bird gardens that can be visited and that create a space of protection for many animal species. Do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about our bird photography travels.