Giant Hummingbird
Patagona gigas
The Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas) is a uncommon hummingbird found in 6 countries, weighing about 20 g. The southern giant hummingbird is one of two species in the genus Patagona and the second largest hummingbird species, after its close relative the northern giant hummingbird.
About the Giant Hummingbird
The southern giant hummingbird is one of two species in the genus Patagona and the second largest hummingbird species, after its close relative the northern giant hummingbird.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Its mass is in the range of 17–31 g (0.60–1.09 oz), making it approximately twice as heavy as the next largest hummingbird. It has a wingspan of 21.5 cm (8.5 in), with a body length of 23 cm (9.1 in). The two subspecies are visually distinguishable. P. g. peruviana is yellowish brown overall and has white on the chin and throat, where P. g. gigas is more olive green to brown and lacks white on the chin and throat.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Giant Hummingbird on live cams
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Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Giant Hummingbird?
- Its mass is in the range of 17–31 g (0.60–1.09 oz), making it approximately twice as heavy as the next largest hummingbird. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Giant Hummingbird?
- The Giant Hummingbird is a small sized bird weighing about 20 g.
- Where can you see a Giant Hummingbird?
- The Giant Hummingbird occurs in 6 countries, including Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Argentina.
- What birds look similar to a Giant Hummingbird?
- The Giant Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Blue-vented Hummingbird, the Blue-chested Hummingbird and the White-whiskered Hermit.
- Is the Giant Hummingbird endangered?
- The Giant Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Giant Hummingbird for real
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