Black-throated brilliant

The black-throated brilliant is a species of hummingbird belonging to the family Trochilidae and the genus Heliodoxa. The genus Heliodoxa includes several brilliantly colored hummingbirds known as "brilliants." These birds are specifically adapted to life in dense, tropical mountainous regions.

This specific hummingbird is native to parts of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It primarily inhabits humid tropical and subtropical forests, particularly along the eastern slopes of the Andes mountains. It is frequently found in adjacent Amazonian regions where these forest environments meet.

As its name suggests, the species is distinguished by its striking, dark iridescent throat patch known as a gorget. Males typically possess bright green upperparts and a distinctly forked tail. The female's plumage is slightly duller, featuring white tips on her tail feathers for camouflage.

Like most hummingbirds, the black-throated brilliant primarily feeds on the nectar of colorful, tubular flowers found in the Andean forests. It plays a crucial role as a pollinator for these high-altitude plant species. It will also occasionally hawk small insects in mid-air to supplement its diet with protein.