The Black-breasted Puffleg is a critically endangered hummingbird, characterized by its glossy black underparts and shimmering green upperparts, with the iconic white leg puffs. It is a highly sought-after species by birdwatchers.
Where to spot
Endemic to a very small and fragmented range in the high-altitude cloud forests of the western Andes of Ecuador. It typically occurs near forest edges and ravines.
How to spot
Identify by its striking black breast and belly contrasted with green upperparts and white leg puffs. Its extreme rarity means any sighting is significant; look for it at specialized feeders or flowering plants in its known range.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its very limited habitat, primarily during daylight hours as it feeds on specific flowering plants. Mornings are often the best time.
Where to spot
Endemic to a very small and fragmented range in the high-altitude cloud forests of the western Andes of Ecuador. It typically occurs near forest edges and ravines.
How to spot
Identify by its striking black breast and belly contrasted with green upperparts and white leg puffs. Its extreme rarity means any sighting is significant; look for it at specialized feeders or flowering plants in its known range.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its very limited habitat, primarily during daylight hours as it feeds on specific flowering plants. Mornings are often the best time.
It is one of the most threatened hummingbird species globally, with a tiny, rapidly declining population due to severe habitat loss in its narrow Andean range.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.