The giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas) is the largest species of hummingbird in the world. It is found exclusively in South America in high elevation Andean environments.
Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Patagona gigas
- Length: 8-10 inches
- Wingspan: 7 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
- Diet: Nectar, insects
Geographic Range
The giant hummingbird is found in the Andes mountain range in western South America. Its range includes:
- Bolivia
- Peru
- Ecuador
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Chile
- Argentina
Within these countries, the giant hummingbird occupies high elevation habitats between 8,200-14,800 feet. It is found in mountainous areas, plateaus, and valleys of the Andes.
Preferred Habitat
The giant hummingbird prefers high elevation meadows, scrublands, and paramo vegetation. Key features of its habitat include:
- Alpine meadows
- Scrublands
- Paramo (high elevation ecosystem above tree line)
- Near streams and rivers
- Areas with flowering plants and shrubs
These high mountain habitats provide the nectar resources and insect prey the giant hummingbird needs to survive. The bird is a crucial pollinator for high elevation Andean plants.
Interesting Facts
- The giant hummingbird is the largest member of the hummingbird family. It is over 3 inches longer than the next largest species.
- Males weigh 0.56–0.62 oz while females weigh 0.4-0.45 oz.
- This hummingbird has a wingspan of 5.5–7 in. Its wings beat 12–15 times per second.
- Giant hummingbirds have an extremely fast metabolism and must feed frequently. They eat up to 150 flower visits and hundreds of insects daily.
- These birds are bold and territorial. They will aggressively defend flower patches and have elaborate dive displays.
- The giant hummingbird’s main vocalization is a loud twittering “chip” sound.
- This species inhabits the highest elevations of any hummingbird species.
Appearance and Identification
The giant hummingbird has distinctive features that aid in identification:
- Size – It is noticeably larger than other hummingbird species at 8-10 inches long.
- Bill – The bill is very long (over an inch), straight, and dagger-shaped.
- Plumage – Males have green heads and coppery bronze-green backs. Females have greenish heads and greyer plumage.
- Tail – The tail is forked in males and rounded in females.
- Wings – Broad wings have a wide black stripe along the tips.
The giant’s large size, bill shape, and high elevation habitat make it relatively easy to identify compared to other hummingbird species.
Behavior and Diet
The giant hummingbird has specialized behaviors and diet to survive in its harsh mountain environment:
- Aggressive – They aggressively defend nectar resources and have elaborate dive displays.
- Fast metabolism – Their rapid metabolism requires frequent feeding on energy-rich nectar and insects.
- Cold tolerance – They reduce their body temperature and metabolism to survive freezing nights.
- Nectar – Nectar from high elevation flowers and shrubs is a primary food source.
- Insects – Small insects like flies provide essential proteins.
The giant hummingbird has unique adaptations allowing it to thrive in inhospitable high Andean habitats.
Breeding and Nesting
The giant hummingbird has an extended breeding season to take advantage of sporadic flower blooms:
- Breeding takes place from November to May, coinciding with rainy season.
- Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
- The female builds a small cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers and spider webs.
- The nest is located 3-20 feet up in a protected tree, shrub, or rock overhang.
- Typical clutch size is two pea-sized white eggs.
- The female incubates the eggs for about 16 days until hatching.
- Chicks fledge in roughly 3 weeks; the female cares for them.
Nest placement in protected sites helps reduce losses to the cold temperatures and wind exposure in the Andean highlands.
Population and Conservation Status
The giant hummingbird has a wide distribution and stable population. Its conservation status is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List:
- Global population estimated at 250,000 to 999,999 mature individuals.
- Population trend appears to be stable over time.
- High elevation habitat remains relatively intact and remote from most human pressures.
- Climate change may pose a future threat by altering flower/insect availability.
Ongoing protection of Andean ecosystems will help ensure suitable habitat remains for the giant hummingbird’s specialized high elevation lifestyle.
Conclusion
In summary, the giant hummingbird is the largest hummingbird species found exclusively in South American Andes highlands. It inhabits alpine meadows, scrublands, and paramo over 8,000 feet elevation. This bold and territorial bird has unique adaptations like fat storage and temperature regulation to survive the harsh conditions. Its remote mountain habitat has allowed the giant hummingbird to maintain a healthy population, though climate change impacts are an emerging threat. Protecting these delicate high Andean ecosystems will allow this iconic giant of the hummingbird world to continue thriving.
