Rainbow-bearded thornbill

The Rainbow-bearded thornbill is a species of hummingbird native to the high-altitude Andean regions of South America. It can be spotted in humid, elfin forests and páramo grasslands across Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Birdwatchers typically look for them at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 meters.

The bird is named for the male's incredibly vibrant, multicolored gorget located directly beneath its beak. This patch of iridescent feathers displays a brilliant spectrum of blue, green, yellow, and pink depending on how the light hits it. The rest of its plumage is mostly a dull, rusty brown, making the bright beard stand out immensely.

Like other hummingbird species, the Rainbow-bearded thornbill feeds primarily on the nectar of high-altitude, tubular flowers. It uses its specialized, short bill to lap up the nectar while hovering in mid-air. It will also hawk tiny insects out of the air to fulfill its protein requirements.

The bird is scientifically classified under the Chalcostigma genus, a group of small South American hummingbirds known for their needle-like bills. It belongs to the Trochilidae family. Its specific scientific binomial name is Chalcostigma herrani.