Sparkling Violetear

This striking Andean hummingbird ranges from Venezuela to Argentina and inhabits a variety of elevational habitats between 4,000 to 12,000 feet (1,200 - 3,600 meters). They visit feeders regularly and often behave aggressively in defense of their individually preferred perches. I photographed this confiding bird at Hacienda El Bosque outside Manizales in Colombia's Central Andes. The perch leaves a lot to be desired, but I think the calling action partially redeems that shortcoming. Compare this image to the next of Lesser Violetear, a smaller and drabber relative inhabiting a similar range.

Hacienda El Bosque, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia, 7/3/19
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II on EOS 5D Mark IV
1/400 at f/8, ISO 1600, fill flash