Rufous-gaped Hillstar
ID Features: Large Hummingbird with limited range on the west slope of the Andes from central Colombia to northwest Ecuador. Distinctive in range. Overall bronzy-greenish with blue throat. Very long, straight bill with rufous patch on face. Look for bold white flashes in tail, especially visible in flight. Overall dark coloration and white in tail could be confused with Velvet-purple Coronet, but note larger size, longer bill, and blue restricted to throat.
Habitat: Uncommon; occasionally visits feeders but equally likely to be found within forest, especially around streams and waterfalls. Occurs from around 1,100 to 2,000 meters.
Locations: Colombia, Ecuador
Velvet-purple Coronet
ID Features: This medium-sized hummingbird looks all blackish in poor light, but at the right angle, it turns into a dazzling gem with a purple belly and crown, turquoise sides, and greenish wing coverts. Note bright white flashes in the tail. Like other Coronets, it holds its wings up for a few seconds when it lands, exposing rich chestnut underwing. Sexes similar.
Habitat: Very restricted range in western Colombia and Ecuador, where it is generally uncommon in moist cloud forest and edges in the lower subtropical zone. Visits feeders.
Locations: Colombia, Ecuador
