About the Green-headed Hillstar
The green-headed hillstar is a species of hummingbird found in the Andes of southern Ecuador and northern and central Peru. It is one of 7 species in the genus Oreotrochilus, and can be distinguished from its relatives by subtle differences in plumage coloration. The green-headed hillstar received its name due to its bronze and green crown and gorget of bright emerald green plumage. The species was first discovered by English ornithologist Osbert Salvin in 1895 and named after Polish ornithologist Jean Stanislaus Stolzmann.
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ID tip
The green-headed hillstar is a species of South American hummingbird ranging in length from 12 to 13 cm and weighing between 7.9 and 8.4 g. The green-headed hillstar is a sexually dimorphic species. The males are more brightly colored than females. Males have a bronzed-green posterior, including the forehead, crown, back, sides and rump. Their wings are a dark contrast to their back. The primaries and secondaries are typically a dark black/brown and green. Their tail's central rectrices are a soft bronze and their wide, blunt ended outer rectrices are nearly white. Voice: The vocalizations of the green-headed hillstar are similar to that of the Andean hillstar. They produce a brief and continuous 'tsip' or 'tseep' sound. The other recognisable vocalization of the green-headed hillstar is the melodic twittering and note fluctuation that occurs mostly during displays and chases with other members of their species. Chase calls are demonstrated by both sexes.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in July · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Wedge-tailed HillstarOreotrochilus adelaThe wedge-tailed hillstar is 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in) long and weighs 7.4 to 8.3 g (0.26 to 0.29 oz).
Blue-throated HillstarOreotrochilus cyanolaemusThe top of the head of the male blue-throated hillstar is iridescent emerald green, which extends from the forehead to the base of the crown.
Black-breasted HillstarOreotrochilus melanogasterThe black-breasted hillstar is 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in) long and weighs about 8.4 g (0.30 oz).
Learn the Green-headed Hillstar for real
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