Fawn-breasted Brilliant

In Ecuador, the Fawn-breasted Brilliant inhabits humid montane forests on both Andean slopes, typically between 1,200 and 2,400 meters, with subspecies H. r. aequatorialis on the west and H. r. cervinigularis on the east. Though its distribution is patchy, it remains locally common and is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN despite ongoing habitat loss. This medium-sized hummingbird feeds primarily on nectar from deep tubular flowers, defending rich feeding sites with aggressive aerial displays, and supplements its diet with insects and spiders caught mid-air or gleaned from foliage. Breeding females construct moss-lined nests in shrubs or trees and raise young alone, regurgitating insect prey to meet the chicks’ protein needs.