Mountain Thornbill

Large, dark hummingbird. Common in tepui highlands. Male is mostly shining green, especially on the throat, breast, and forehead; female is white below with extensive green spotting. Both sexes have conspicuous white spot behind eye. Occurs in a wide variety of habitats including tall forest, edge, and open scrub at middle and high elevations (above 800 m) in tepui region. Feeds on nectar and defends patches of flowers from other hummingbirds. Gives loud, sharp chip note while foraging. No other large, green hummingbird occurs in its limited range.

Found only at approximately 1220-2000 meters in the Fan Si Pan Mountains of northwestern Vietnam, this shy and uncommon bird can be difficult to see. Listen for its song, a high descending whistle sometimes followed by or including sharp pipping notes. Calls include a bubbling “ch’lee, ch’lee, ch’lee” and “churr” notes. If seen, note its bright white throat, long bill, short tail, and streaked brown body. Forages on or near the ground, typically in areas with dense undergrowth.

No similar species in its range. Found in woodland, forest, matorral, and farmland with taller trees and hedges; often feeds on the ground. In some areas of central Chile nests in colonies in dirt bluffs, such as along roadsides; elsewhere usually nests in holes drilled in trees. Note the gray crown and plain buffy face (with dark whisker on male), big white rump patch, and yellow shafts to wing feathers (mainly visible in flight). Loud shrieking calls sometimes draw attention.