The largest hummingbird in the world, measuring 22–24 cm. Unmistakable due to its large size, slender appearance, and slow, undulating, powerful flight, comparable to that of a swift. Bill long, straight, and black. Tail long and only slightly forked. Adult: upperparts grayish-brown to dull olive-green with slight metallic sheen. Rump and base of tail contrasting whitish. Underparts cinnamon-brown, paler on the abdomen; undertail coverts whitish. Sexes nearly identical. Juvenile: throat and belly cinnamon-colored with greenish spotting; feathers with pale edges giving a slightly scaled appearance. In Argentina there are two subspecies: P. g. gigas (central-west): duller underparts; more evident white rump. P. g. peruviana (northwest): larger on average, with somewhat longer wings and bill; underparts more intensely cinnamon or rufous; rump less contrasting.
Distribution: Western South America, from southern Colombia along the Andes to central Chile and northwestern and west-central Argentina. In Argentina it occurs in Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca (P. g. peruviana); and Mendoza and adjacent Andean sectors (P. g. gigas), also recorded in summer in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba. Southern populations (gigas) descend and migrate toward northwestern Argentina during winter; they breed in the central-west and migrate in autumn–winter toward Tucumán and Catamarca, and occasionally eastward (Córdoba). Peruviana, in contrast, is mainly resident, with altitudinal movements linked to flowering.
Habitat: Ravines, shrubby steppe, and montane scrub, especially in areas with columnar cacti, Puya, and other nectar-producing plants. Frequent near watercourses. In northwestern Argentina it inhabits Puna and Prepuna between 2,000 and 4,000 m; in winter it may descend to lower elevations and even be recorded in valleys. Tolerates modified environments such as gardens, parks, and cultivated areas with abundant flowers.
Behavior: Generally solitary or in pairs. Territorial and aggressive when defending flowers. Flight characteristically slow, with deep wingbeats and brief glides between strokes; capable of gliding considerable distances, unusual among hummingbirds. Often perches on exposed branches for long periods (pers. obs.). Call a sharp, piercing, monosyllabic “tsip,” given in flight or while perched. Also produces strong, brief whistles when defending territory.
Diet: Mainly nectar from large and abundant flowers, especially columnar cacti, Puya, Nicotiana, Passiflora, and other Andean species; also uses cultivated flowers. Supplements its diet with flying insects captured in flight.
Breeding: Nest a small cup built by the female with mosses and lichens bound with spider webs, lined with plant fibers or wool, placed on branches, cacti, shrubs, or even human structures. Clutch of 2 white eggs; incubation lasts 12–13 days; care exclusively by the female.
Conservation status: Not threatened at national or global level. A scarce but regular species in suitable habitats.
Author of this compilation: Diego Carus and María Belén Dri – 03/04/2026