Species profile
About this species
The Royal Sunangel is a strikingly beautiful hummingbird found in the cloud forests of northern Peru & southern Ecuador. The male displays a vivid deep blue plumage with an iridescent violet-blue throat that shimmers brilliantly in direct light. It is considered a rare & vulnerable species due to its restricted range & ongoing habitat loss.
The Royal Sunangel inhabits humid montane cloud forests & forest edges at elevations typically ranging from 1800 to 2600 metres in the eastern Andean slopes of northern Peru & southern Ecuador.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Royal Sunangel with us in Peru.
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 between 7am & 10am offer the best light & highest activity levels. The dry season between June & September generally provides clearer skies & more accessible trails in the Andean cloud forest habitat.
Position yourself near flowering plants such as bromeliads & orchids where the species regularly feeds, as this allows for predictable & close-range shots. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1600s to freeze the rapid wingbeats & capture the iridescent plumage at its most vibrant in bright natural light. A telephoto lens in the 400-600mm range combined with a sturdy tripod or monopod will help you achieve sharp, detailed images in the often dim cloud forest environment.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Royal 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.