Peru's Endemic Birds II: Bearded Mountaineer

	Apodiformes
	Trochilidae
	Oreonympha
	Peru (endemic)
	Least Concern

The Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis) is a striking hummingbird species found exclusively in the high-altitude valleys of south-central Peru. Its range spans the departments of Apurímac, Cuzco, Huancavelica, and Ayacucho, particularly within the drainages of the Urubamba, Apurímac, Mantaro, Pampas, and Chalhuanca rivers. This species inhabits elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,900 meters, favoring dry Andean valleys characterized by rocky, scrubby hillsides and open woodlands.

The Bearded Mountaineer is the only species in its genus, Oreonympha. There are two recognized subspecies of the Bearded Mountaineer, generally divided into:

• Western subspecies: O. n. nobilis
• Eastern subspecies: O. n. albolimbata

These subspecies are geographically separated by the Apurímac River and exhibit subtle differences in plumage. The eastern form tends to have more pronounced white edging on the tail feathers and slightly different coloration on the underparts.

Traditionally, the Bearded Mountaineer relied on native flora such as agave, cacti, and various shrubs for nectar. However, it has demonstrated remarkable adaptability by incorporating non-native plant species into its diet. Notably, it frequently feeds on the nectar of introduced plants like eucalyptus and tree tobacco (Nicotiana), often found along roadsides and within urban areas.

The Bearded Mountaineer is a striking hummingbird, especially noted for its iridescent plumage and distinctive facial markings:

• Males have a glittering green crown and upperparts, with a vivid blue gorget (throat patch) that extends into a long, beard-like tuft. The rest of the underparts are whitish with greenish flanks, and they sport a slightly decurved black bill.
• Females are duller in appearance, lacking the throat tufts, but still share the elegant shape and overall coloration. Both sexes have a long, forked tail that enhances their graceful flight.

Source: Wikipedia

Photo: Holmes Pantoja, Birds Hotel Molino, Birding Tours Peru