blue-bearded helmetcrest Oxypogon cyanolaemus

One of the world’s rarest and most endangered hummingbirds, found only at extremely high elevations in Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains. It does not occur in the areas typically visited by birders, and seeing one requires a multi-day camping expedition over very steep terrain. Adult male’s green and blue beard, black and white head pattern, and shaggy crest are distinctive. Female and younger males lack the crest and beard, and can be recognized by their size, short bill, and white collar. Feeds in flowering bushes in and around high elevation grassland; often clings to flowers while feeding.