Species profile
About this species
The Bearded Helmetcrest is a striking hummingbird native to the high-altitude paramo grasslands of the Colombian Andes. It is distinguished by its prominent elongated crest feathers & a distinctive white beard-like tuft beneath the bill. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males displaying more vivid plumage colouration than females.
High-altitude paramo grasslands & shrublands in the Colombian Andes, typically found between 3,500 & 5,000 metres above sea level, where Espeletia plants dominate the landscape.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Bearded Helmetcrest 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
Early morning hours shortly after sunrise offer the best light & activity levels. The species is most reliably photographed during the dry seasons between December & February or July & August, when paramo conditions are more stable & birds are actively foraging.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wing movements of this hummingbird & capture sharp detail in flight. Position yourself near Espeletia frailejones plants, which are a favoured feeding source, & pre-focus on the flowers to anticipate the bird's arrival. Early morning light at high altitude provides a soft, warm quality that enhances the iridescent greens & purples of the plumage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Bearded Helmetcrest
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.