About Urochroa bougueri (Bourcier, 1851)
Scientific Name and Size
The rufous-gaped hillstar (scientific name Urochroa bougueri (Bourcier, 1851)) ranges from 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in) long, including an approximately 3 cm (1.2 in) bill. Individuals weigh between 8.5 and 12.5 g (0.30 to 0.44 oz).
Adult Plumage
Males and females have identical plumage: both have a long, straight, black bill and coppery green upperparts. This species gets its common English name from the rufous-cinnamon malar streak on its face.
Body Coloration
Its throat and breast are iridescent blue, and its belly is dull gray. The central and outermost tail feathers are black, while the remaining tail feathers are white with dusky gray edges.
Juvenile Plumage
Juveniles resemble adults, but also have buffy fringes on their head feathers.
Vocalizations
What is believed to be this species' song is a continuous series of single 'swit' or 'tsit' notes. When alarmed, it produces a liquid 'twit' that is repeated in long sequences.
Geographic Distribution
The rufous-gaped hillstar occurs on the Pacific slope of the Andes, from Colombia's Chocó Department south into Ecuador up to Pichincha Province.
Habitat
It lives in the interior and edges of mature montane forest, secondary forest, and shrubby slopes, and it is often found near streams.
Elevational Range
Its elevational range generally falls between 1,600 and 2,800 m (5,200 and 9,200 ft). It is most abundant around 1,800 m (5,900 ft), and is occasionally found well below its usual minimum elevation.
Movement Patterns
While generally sedentary, the rufous-gaped hillstar makes some seasonal elevational movements, at least within Colombia.
