Sunangels

Sunangels are a genus of hummingbirds belonging to the family Trochilidae. The genus is currently comprised of four species, all native to the Andes Mountains of South America. These small birds are characterized by their iridescent plumage, which often exhibits a golden or coppery sheen, hence their common name. Their diet consists primarily of nectar from flowers, supplemented by small insects.

The four recognized species are the Gould's sunangel (Heliangelus viola), the amethyst-throated sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis), the long-tailed sunangel (Heliangelus mavortius), and the Bogotá sunangel (Heliangelus spencei). Each species has specific geographic ranges within the Andean region, typically found in montane forests and shrublands at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters.

Sunangels are generally solitary and territorial, often defending flower patches vigorously. Males typically display more vibrant coloration than females, and their courtship involves aerial maneuvers. Breeding occurs annually, with females laying two small eggs in a cup-shaped nest constructed from plant material and spider silk. The incubation period is around 14-19 days, and the young fledge approximately 20-26 days after hatching. Their conservation status varies among species, with some facing threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agriculture and deforestation.