Giant Hummingbird
Patagona gigas
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<birdfyi-bird slug="patagona-gigas"></birdfyi-bird>About
The world's largest hummingbird (21-23 cm, weight 18-24 g), roughly the size of a European Starling. Green-brown plumage. Found in open habitats along the Andes from Colombia to Chile and Argentina at 2,000-4,500 m. Nectarivore of cacti and large flowers. Unusually slow wingbeat for a hummingbird.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 27.1 cm | 10.7 in |
| Weight | 18.925 g | 0.67 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Purple-throated Woodstar (alt): males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic bronze-green; females green above; spotted buff below
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found along the Andes from Ecuador south through Peru and Bolivia to Argentina and Chile. 2,000–4,500 m. World's largest hummingbird.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore; world's largest hummingbird. Forages at Puya and Agave flowers, hovering briefly then perching. Catches large insects.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 12-13 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Soft, lilting melody with flute-like purity; smooth notes weaving gently in pleasant sequence at forest edge.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Patagona |
| Species | Patagona gigas |
Distribution
Giant Hummingbird has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Giant Hummingbird eat?
Where does the Giant Hummingbird live?
Is the Giant Hummingbird endangered?
How does the Giant Hummingbird nest?
What does the Giant Hummingbird sound like?
How big is the Giant Hummingbird?
What order and family does the Giant Hummingbird belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family