Giant Hummingbird

The Giant Hummingbird is, as its name suggests, by far the largest member of the hummingbird family, roughly the size of a large swallow or a small thrush and dwarfing typical hummingbirds many times over. Its plumage is comparatively subdued for a hummingbird, mostly grayish-brown to bronze with a paler, sometimes rufous-tinged belly, lacking the intense iridescent patches common in smaller relatives.

Because of its unusually large size, its wingbeats are slow enough to be visible to the naked eye, roughly 10-15 beats per second compared to the 50 or more beats per second typical of small hummingbirds, giving its flight a somewhat labored, almost bat-like quality that is immediately distinctive in the field.

Key field marks

• Very large size for a hummingbird, roughly 20-23 cm long
• Grayish-brown to bronze plumage, paler and sometimes rufous-tinged belly
• Slow, clearly visible wingbeats compared to other hummingbirds
• Long, straight bill
• Often perches upright on wires, poles, or bare branches

Similar species

• No other hummingbird approaches its size; confusion is more likely with swifts or swallows in flight, but the hovering behavior at flowers and hummingbird-shaped bill quickly clarify identification.

Habitat

Found in arid and semi-arid Andean scrub, valleys, agricultural land, gardens, and high-elevation grassland (puna).

Range

Distributed along the Andes from Ecuador south through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina; southern populations are migratory.

Migration

Southern (Chilean/Argentine) breeding populations migrate north to lower latitudes for the austral winter, while northern populations are largely resident.

Behavior

Often perches conspicuously upright on wires, fence posts, or bare branches between bouts of feeding; can be territorial at good nectar sources despite its bulk.

Voice

A short, sharp chip or squeak, along with buzzy chase notes during territorial disputes, generally less musical than smaller hummingbirds.

Feeding

Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, including cacti in arid habitats, and catches small insects in flight; its large size allows it to hover for extended periods.

Nesting

Builds a relatively large cup nest of plant material; the female incubates the typical clutch of 2 white eggs alone.