The Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani) is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. They can be found in the high paramo in cold high altitude areas. They have an interesting way to survive the cold. They enter a nightly hibernation called torpor, where their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate drastically slow so they conserve most of their energy. My photos don’t do this gorgeous little bird justice as i didn’t get him head on to show the beard but at least I DID get a few shots at the feeders!
They are found in Ecuador Andes regions & Colombia in the high paramo south of Manizales. The best place to see them is in the gardens of the Termales del Ruiz. You will be at 3500 metres so plan for altitude sickness.
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VIDEOS
Now you see him, now you don’t!
The trick is to get him facing you with the sun behind you to show off his iridescent beard, not an easy task!