Birds Active during the day

Black-throated Flowerpiercer

Diglossa brunneiventris

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

The ultimate Andean nectar thief, the Black-throated Flowerpiercer is a bold and colorful high-altitude specialist that brings life to mountain gardens.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

14-15 cm (5.5-6 in) in length; weighs approximately 10-14 g (0.35-0.5 oz)

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Colors

Jet black throat, face, and upperparts; rich chestnut-rufous belly and flanks; small but distinct silvery-blue shoulder patches

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Key Features

Sharply hooked upper mandible with a notched lower bill
Deep chestnut underparts contrasting sharply with a black throat
Small blue-grey patch on the shoulder (lesser coverts)
Active, restless foraging behavior

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Specializes in nectar 'robbing' by piercing flower bases; also consumes small insects, spiders, and occasionally small berries.

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Habitat High-altitude montane scrub, forest edges, suburban gardens, and Polylepis woodlands.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Black-throated Flowerpiercer Live?

The Black-throated Flowerpiercer is a quintessential inhabitant of the South American Andes, thriving in high-elevation environments where other species might struggle. Its core range extends from the northern reaches of Peru through the mountainous spine of Bolivia, reaching into northern Chile and extreme northwestern Argentina. These birds are most commonly encountered in the temperate and alpine zones, often making themselves at home in the lush, flowering gardens of Andean mountain towns.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

6 Countries

1.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

PE Peru

Marginal

BO Bolivia

Marginal

CL Chile

Marginal

AR Argentina

Marginal

EC Ecuador

Marginal

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Black-throated Flowerpiercer is a high-altitude dynamo, known primarily for its unique and somewhat 'mischievous' feeding strategy. Unlike hummingbirds that reach deep into a flower's corolla to pollinate, this species uses its specialized hooked bill to pierce the base of tubular flowers. This allows it to 'steal' nectar without providing the service of pollination, a behavior that makes it a fascinating subject for backyard observation in Andean regions.

Socially, these birds are quite territorial and bold. They are often seen chasing away other nectar-feeders, including larger hummingbirds, from choice flowering shrubs. While they are not overly shy around human settlements, they are constantly in motion, darting from branch to branch with a flick of the tail, making them a delightful challenge for wildlife photographers and backyard observers alike.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Black-throated Flowerpiercer on camera, your primary focus should be on their 'nectar trail.' Position your AI-powered camera within 2 to 4 feet of tubular-flowered shrubs such as Salvia, Fuchsia, or Brachyotum. Because these birds are smaller than many garden visitors, mount the camera at a height of approximately 3 to 5 feet, angled slightly downward toward the clusters of flowers where they are most likely to land and pierce the blooms.

If you use a hummingbird feeder, you have a high chance of attracting them, but they won't hover like a hummingbird. Instead, they will perch on the feeder's edge or the hanger itself. Set your camera's trigger sensitivity to high and use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s if manual settings are available) to freeze their rapid movements. High-definition video mode is often better for this species to capture the unique way they use their hooked bill to manipulate flowers.

Lighting in the high Andes can be harsh and create deep shadows. For the best results, position your camera facing north or south to avoid the direct glare of the morning and evening sun. If your camera setup allows for an external battery or solar panel, utilize it; these birds are active throughout the day, and you'll want your gear ready for the late-afternoon activity spike when they are most territorial and vocal.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black-throated Flowerpiercer.

Glossy Flowerpiercer

Lacks the rufous belly; it is entirely black except for the silvery-blue shoulder patches.

Moustached Flowerpiercer

Features a prominent white 'moustache' stripe on the face which the Black-throated lacks.

Masked Flowerpiercer

Has bright crimson eyes and a deep blue body, looking significantly different despite the similar bill shape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the early morning hours, shortly after sunrise (around 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM), and again in the late afternoon before dusk as they forage heavily to maintain energy for the cold Andean nights.

Planting native tubular flowers like Fuchsia, Salvia, or Cantua is the best method. They are also readily attracted to standard hummingbird feeders filled with a 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio, though they prefer to perch rather than hover.

Their primary diet is nectar, which they obtain by piercing the base of flowers with their hooked bill. They also supplement their diet with small insects and spiders for protein.

Yes, they are very well-adapted to human-altered landscapes and are frequently seen in parks, suburban gardens, and agricultural edges within their high-altitude range.

The easiest way is the belly color: the Black-throated has a bright chestnut-rufous belly, while the Glossy Flowerpiercer is entirely black with blue shoulder patches.

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