Contributions to the reproduction of Wedge-tailed Hillstar (Oreotrochilus adela) in Argentina

The Wedge-Tailed Hillstar (Oreotrochilus adela) is endemic to the Central High Andes of Bolivia and Argentina. In Argentina it is distributed in Yavi (Dept. Yavi) where it is common of observe, Yavi Chico and El Angosto (Dept. Santa Catalina), province of Jujuy; where it inhabits ravines with groves of Prosopis ferox and cultivated areas surrounding villages between 2500 and 4000 masl. The nest of this hummingbird was described in Argentina based on two nests of Yavi in October and November 2003. We study the avifauna of Yavi, 3440 masl, between 2011 and 2014, where we recorded nesting of the species. The nests (n=5), in the shape of a rounded (n=3) or elongated (n=2) cup, were found in hollows of rocky walls sheltered from the wind, cold and direct sunlight, directly supported on the rocks. Were light brown in color, externally constructed with leaves, stems and dry inflorescences of shrubs and grasses, cobwebs, lichens, mosses, insect parts (ants, lobsters, spiders) and internally with downs (Chloephaga melanoptera, Cinclodes sp., Sicalis olivascens), horse hair, sheep wool, cotton thread and pili of Oreocereus celsianus. On January 12 of 2012 we detected, by means of black feces in soil and walls, a nest with a feathered squab; in 2013 the nest was reused, in 2014 another nest was built exactly on the same site. Females expel males and other females from the reproductive area. In Yavi O. adela it turns out to be a territorial species and faithful to the breeding site, where it builds and reuses its nests.