Common Name: Ecuadorian Hillstar
Scientific Name: Oreotrochilus chimborazo

Distribution: This hummingbirds are found in the highlands of Ecuador and extreme south Columbia in the Andean Mountains in elevations from 3500 to 5200m.

Biology: The Ecuadorian Hillstar is species specialised far the highland environment of the Andes. They tend to occur mostly in the upper parts of páramo zones from dry grassy areas to the humid rocky slopes, always below the snowline, where they are able to find flowering plants. Their most important foodsouce is the nectar from Chuquirage insignis, a large scrub with orange flowers (see photos). The hummingbirds will defend these flowers fiercely from any conspecifics and they are indeed very territorial in general. They also supplement their diet with insects and other invertebrates, which they either catch in the air or collect from in or around the flowers they visit.
When weather get tough the species is know to seek shelter in caves, and they will in fact enter a hibernation-like state, called torpor, each night to conserve energy - an ability only know from very few species of birds.

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
Despite its limited range, the Ecuadorian Hillstar remains common in its highland enviroment, which in turn isn’t subject to high levels of degradation. However, climatechange may very well have negative effects on the Andean ecosystems in the future.
Yet, the population is currently still considered stable.