Species profile
About this species
The Mountain Velvetbreast is a hummingbird species found in the Andes of South America, notable for the male's striking velvety black breast patch contrasting with iridescent green plumage. It inhabits cloud forest edges & shrubby slopes at high elevations, typically between 2000 & 3500 metres. The species feeds on nectar from a variety of Andean flowering plants & plays an important role in pollination within its montane ecosystem.
Montane cloud forests, forest edges, & shrubby hillsides in the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia, typically at elevations between 2000 & 3500 metres above sea level.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Mountain Velvetbreast 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 dawn are ideal when the birds are most active feeding. The dry season months from June to September generally offer clearer skies & more predictable weather in the Andes, improving overall shooting conditions.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wingbeats of this hummingbird in flight. Position yourself near favoured flowering plants or feeders where the bird returns regularly, allowing you to pre-focus & anticipate its arrival. Overcast lighting common in cloud forest environments can reduce harsh shadows & produce pleasing, diffused colours on the iridescent plumage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Mountain Velvetbreast
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.