Species profile
About this species
The Amethyst-throated Sunangel is a small, brilliantly coloured hummingbird found in the Andes of South America. The male displays a striking iridescent amethyst-purple throat patch, known as a gorget, which contrasts beautifully with its green plumage. It is a high-altitude specialist, typically found in cloud forests & shrubby habitats along Andean slopes.
Andean cloud forests, forest edges, & high-altitude shrublands typically between 2000 & 3500 metres elevation in countries including Peru, Bolivia, Colombia & Ecuador.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Amethyst-throated Sunangel with us in Colombia.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Mid-morning hours when the light is bright & the birds are actively feeding are ideal. The dry season between May & September generally offers clearer skies & better light conditions in Andean cloud forests.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1600s to freeze the rapid wingbeats of this hummingbird & capture sharp detail in the gorget. Position yourself near flowering plants such as bromeliads & heliconias where the bird regularly feeds, allowing for predictable & repeated photographic opportunities. In overcast conditions the iridescent throat patch can appear duller, so aim to photograph in bright but diffused light to bring out the full amethyst colour.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Amethyst-throated Sunangel
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.