Introduction
The Oasis Hummingbird, Rhodopis vesper, is a medium-sized hummingbird of the arid Pacific coast of South America. It occurs mainly in Peru and Chile, where it uses river valleys, desert oases, irrigated agricultural areas, scrub and flowering gardens. In Chile it is also known as the Picaflor del Norte or Picaflor de Atacama. The species is the only recognised member of the genus Rhodopis.
Physical Description
The Oasis Hummingbird is about 12 centimetres long and has a relatively long, slender bill that is slightly curved. Its upperparts are mainly green to bronzy green, while the underparts are pale greyish or whitish, often with a green wash on the flanks.
Adult males have a conspicuous iridescent purple or magenta gorget on the throat. Their tail is relatively long and deeply forked, with darker outer feathers. Females lack the colourful gorget and are generally duller, with paler underparts, a shorter and less deeply forked tail, and contrasting dark markings and pale tips on the outer tail feathers. Juveniles resemble females but may appear less sharply marked until they acquire adult plumage.
Range and Habitat
The species is distributed along the Pacific side of South America, from northern Peru southwards through much of coastal and northern Chile. Its range includes the Sechura and Atacama desert regions, river valleys, oases, irrigated farmland, desert scrub and towns with flowering vegetation. It may also occur inland along suitable valleys, including areas around San Pedro de Atacama.
The Oasis Hummingbird is generally resident, although local or seasonal movements may occur in response to flowering, water availability and conditions in adjoining valleys. Records span from near sea level to lower montane habitats, with some sources reporting occurrences at approximately 3,000 metres. The species is associated less with completely barren desert than with vegetated corridors, oases, gardens and agricultural areas where nectar plants and nesting cover are available.
Geographic variation is recognised within the species, and several subspecies have been described. The limits and status of some forms should be treated cautiously because the species has been recorded beyond parts of its historically recognised range, particularly in central-northern Chile.
Where to See This Species
Humedal de la Desembocadura del Río Lluta, Arica y Parinacota, Chile
This protected coastal wetland at the mouth of the Lluta River has documented records of the Oasis Hummingbird. Its combination of freshwater influence, estuarine vegetation, riverine cover and nearby cultivated areas provides suitable feeding habitat. The species may be looked for among flowering shrubs and vegetation along the wetland margins, while taking care not to disturb other wetland wildlife.
Nearby accommodation: Arica is the practical gateway, with hotels, guest houses, hostels and self-catering accommodation.
Humedal de la Desembocadura del Río Elqui, Coquimbo, Chile
The Elqui River mouth supports documented records of the species and contains a mixture of riverine, wetland and coastal habitats. Flowering vegetation around the lower valley and wetland margins can attract hummingbirds, particularly when local nectar resources are available. The site is best approached as a wetland and coastal birding area rather than as a guaranteed location for close views.
Nearby accommodation: La Serena and Coquimbo provide a wide range of hotels, guest houses, hostels and self-catering accommodation.
Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar, Atacama and Antofagasta, Chile
The park has documented records of the Oasis Hummingbird and protects coastal desert, quebradas, shrubland and cactus-rich habitats. Look for the species around vegetated ravines, flowering plants and areas influenced by seasonal moisture rather than in the most barren parts of the park. Sightings may be most productive when local plants are in flower.
Nearby accommodation: Chañaral and Taltal are the main practical gateway towns, with hotels, guest houses, cabins, campsites and other basic accommodation options.
Behaviour and Diet
The Oasis Hummingbird is active during the day and usually forages alone. It hovers while taking nectar from flowers at different heights, and it may also perch quietly in shrubs or small trees between feeding bouts. Males can defend productive flowering plants or feeding areas against other hummingbirds and may make rapid aerial chases when competitors approach.
Nectar is the main food, obtained from flowering shrubs, trees, agaves and cacti. The species also takes small insects and other arthropods, especially when additional protein is needed. River valleys, irrigated farmland and gardens can therefore be important because they provide a more dependable supply of flowers and small invertebrates than the surrounding desert.
Breeding information remains less complete than for many better-studied hummingbirds. The female builds a small cup-shaped nest, usually supported on a branch or other suitable structure, using soft plant material and spider silk. Two eggs are normally laid, and the female undertakes incubation and most or all of the early care of the young. Nesting has been recorded in trees, shrubs and, in some cases, on human-made structures. Breeding activity is linked to local conditions, particularly flowering and the availability of sheltered nesting sites.
Identification Tips
- Look for a hummingbird of about 12 centimetres with a noticeably long, slightly curved bill.
- Adult males show a bright purple to magenta throat patch, while females lack this gorget.
- The long, deeply forked tail is a useful feature, especially on adult males.
- The overall impression is of a relatively large, long-billed hummingbird with green upperparts and pale underparts.
- In northern Chile, compare it carefully with the smaller Peruvian Sheartail, Thaumastura cora, and the Chilean Woodstar, Eulidia yarrellii. The Oasis Hummingbird is generally larger and longer-billed, although size and plumage can be difficult to judge during fast flight.
- The species often visits flowering vegetation in river valleys, gardens and agricultural areas, so scanning perches and flowering shrubs can be more productive than watching open desert.
Conservation Status
The Oasis Hummingbird is currently assessed as Least Concern. A reliable global population estimate and a robust population trend are not available, so the species should not be described as universally secure at a local level.
Potential local pressures include the loss or degradation of vegetated river corridors, conversion of oases and valleys, urban development, intensive agricultural practices and reduced availability of native flowering plants. Pesticide use may also reduce the small arthropods taken by the birds and affect the wider insect community. Protecting riparian vegetation, maintaining flowering plants in agricultural and urban landscapes, and managing wetlands and oases sustainably can help retain suitable habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Oasis Hummingbird live?
It lives mainly in arid and semi-arid regions of Peru and Chile, especially in river valleys, oases, irrigated farmland, desert scrub, wetlands and flowering gardens.
What does the Oasis Hummingbird look like?
It is about 12 centimetres long, with green or bronzy upperparts, pale underparts and a long, slightly curved bill. Adult males have an iridescent purple or magenta throat, while females do not.
Is the Oasis Hummingbird migratory?
It is generally considered resident, but individuals may make local or seasonal movements when flowering, water availability or conditions in neighbouring valleys change.
What does the Oasis Hummingbird eat?
It feeds mainly on flower nectar and also takes small insects and other arthropods. It uses flowering shrubs, trees, agaves, cacti and cultivated plants.
Where is the best place to see an Oasis Hummingbird?
Good documented areas include the Lluta River mouth near Arica, the Elqui River mouth near La Serena and parts of Pan de Azúcar National Park. Local sightings depend on flowering conditions and should not be guaranteed.
Is the Oasis Hummingbird endangered?
No. It is currently classified as Least Concern, although habitat loss, degradation of river valleys and oases, intensive land use and reduced flowering resources may create local pressures.
References
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds of the World
- BirdLife International
- Chilean Ministry of the Environment, Biodiversity Information Platform
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