About Oreotrochilus leucopleurus Gould, 1847
Species Nomenclature and Size
The white-sided hillstar (Oreotrochilus leucopleurus Gould, 1847) measures 13 to 15 cm (5.1 to 5.9 in) long and weighs 7.9 to 8.4 g (0.28 to 0.30 oz). All adults have a medium-length, slightly decurved black bill.
Adult Male Plumage (Upperparts and Gorget)
Adult males have drab brown upperparts, a shiny green gorget edged with a black border that separates the gorget from the white breast and belly. A wide blue-black stripe runs down the middle of the belly into the vent area.
Adult Male Tail Features
The somewhat rounded tail is bronzy black, with white at the base of the outer feathers.
Adult Female Plumage (Body)
Adult females have dull brown upperparts and also dull brown underparts. Their throat is pale with fine dark speckles.
Adult Female Tail Features
The tail is greenish black, and the outer three or four pairs of feathers have extensive white at both the bases and tips.
Juvenile Plumage
Juveniles are overall more grayish than adults, and juvenile males have a dark blue-green gorget.
Species Distribution
The white-sided hillstar is distributed in the Andes, ranging from Cochabamba Department in central Bolivia south through Chile to the Biobío Region, and reaches as far south as Santa Cruz Province in Argentina.
Habitat Type
It inhabits puna grasslands that contain dwarf shrubs, cacti, and Puya.
Elevation Range
Its elevation generally ranges from 1,200 to 4,000 m (3,900 to 13,100 ft), and it may occur even higher, up to the snow line.
