News Animals

A new species of high-altitude hummingbird may already be in trouble

Scientists estimate there are fewer than 750 of these birds living in the Ecuadorean Andes

blue-throated Hillstar hummingbird

HIGH FLIER  The newly discovered blue-throated Hillstar hummingbird can survive harsh conditions in the Ecuadorian Andes, thanks to its adaptations for high altitude.

F. Sornoza

By Jennifer Leman

- More than 2 years ago

A new hummingbird species has been discovered high in the Ecuadorian Andes, but in numbers so low the bird may already be critically endangered.