Mountain Velvetbreast

The Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi) is found along both slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically between 2,400 and 3,800 meters, where it inhabits humid montane forests, elfin woodlands, and shrubby páramo margins. Though patchily distributed, it is considered fairly common in suitable habitat, often seen foraging at mid-levels and favoring Chuquiraga and other native flowering plants. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is suspected to be slowly declining due to forest loss and degradation. Natural history observations suggest altitudinal movements and solitary nesting behavior, with moss-lined nests placed in sheltered vegetation during the wet season.