Species · GBIF taxon 2476964
Giant Hummingbird
Patagona gigasAlso known as Southern Giant Hummingbird, Patagonian Giant Hummingbird
Giant Hummingbirds are the largest members of the hummingbird family, easily recognized by their sluggish, slow-flapping flight that resembles a swift or a swallow rather than the typical blur of smaller hummingbirds. They inhabit the high-altitude Andes, where they defend large feeding territories centered on flowering cacti and bromeliads. During the winter, southern populations migrate northward along the mountain chain to find warmer valleys.
High-AltitudeMigratoryNectar-Feeder
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower Nectar
- Insects
- Spiders
Predators
- Raptors
- Feral Cats
- Snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture and climate change affecting alpine flowering seasons
HabitatsAndean scrublands, montane forests, and high-altitude grasslands
Life span6 to 10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTrochilidae
- SpeciesPatagona gigas
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look for slow wingbeats: Watch for a hummingbird that glides and flaps slowly, resembling a swift, rather than hovering in a blur.
- Scan flowering cacti: Look around large columnar cacti and agave plants in the Andes, which are favored feeding stations.
- Listen for loud chirps: Listen for their sharp, metallic 'chip' calls used to defend feeding territories.
Image unavailableHigh-Altitude Competitor 
Co-occurring Species Andy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK / CC BY 2.0 · cc-byClose Relative
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