Patagona gigas peruviana

(Boucard, 1893)

Vernacular names
English : Giant hummingbird
French : Colibri géant

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Apodiformes
Family : Trochilidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known

Identification
Largest hummingbird species growing to 22 cm in length for a weight of 23 g. Unmistakable with its all dull brown plumage except for a white rump patch. Males display chestnut brown breast and belly. Straight black bill. Subspecies with longer bill and more cinnamon-rufous underparts.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, in the Andes from south Colombia to Chile. Southern populations migrate north during winter. Subspecies found from Colombia to north Chile. Lives in arid open habitats with low vegetations, on hillsides, from 2000 to 4500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is not uncommon and seems to be adaptable, occurring in man-made habitats. It can be found in many protected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Dallas World Aquarium (USA)

 

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