Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas

Chilean name: Picaflor gigante
Giant Hummingbird, Cajon del Maipo, Chile, November 2005 - click for larger image Chile and Ecuador

The Giant Hummingbird breeds in central Chile and in Peru and Ecuador. During the austral winter, the Chilean population migrates to north-western Argentina. See the distribution map at xeno-canto.

Giant Hummingbird, Cajon del Maipo, Chile, November 2005 - click for larger image In more northerly latitudes it is normally found at high altitudes above 2,000 metres but can be found down to sea level in Chile. It favours sparsely vegetated hillsides with suitable sources of nectar - usually agave-type plants. Photo 3 shows a plant on which a Giant Hummingbird is feeding. You might just make it out on the top right of the plant. Because they are so relatively large, Giant Hummingbirds tend to feed while perched rather than when hovering.
Giant Hummingbird, Cajon del Maipo, Chile, November 2005 - click for larger image Its size makes it unmistakable. Upperparts are dark green with a white rump. Underparts are brownish on the male as in photo 1 and greyish on the female as in photos 4 and 5.
Giant Hummingbird, Antisana Reserve, Napo, Ecuador, November 2019 - click for larger image
Giant Hummingbird, Antisana Reserve, Napo, Ecuador, November 2019 - click for larger image
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