Birds Active during the day

Blue-backed Conebill

Conirostrum sitticolor

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A gem of the Andean peaks, the Blue-backed Conebill is a master of acrobatic foraging, draped in stunning sapphire and chestnut plumage.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 in); Weight: 11-15 g (0.4-0.5 oz)

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Colors

Deep blue back and wings, black head and throat, and rich chestnut-rufous underparts; sexes are similar in appearance.

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Key Features

Distinctive black hood contrasting with a deep blue back
Rich rufous-chestnut belly and breast
Fine, sharply pointed black bill
Acrobatic foraging style, often hanging upside down

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-5 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Mainly insectivorous, gleaning small invertebrates from foliage and moss; also frequently consumes nectar from tubular flowers and occasionally small fruits.

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Habitat High-altitude Andean cloud forests, elfin forests near the treeline, and humid montane scrub.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Blue-backed Conebill Live?

The Blue-backed Conebill is a quintessential South American highland specialist, exclusively found along the massive corridor of the Andes Mountains. Its native range forms a long, narrow ribbon stretching from the coastal mountains of northern Venezuela through the central cordilleras of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, finally reaching its southern limit in the yungas of Bolivia. These birds are strict residents of these high-elevation environments and are not known to have been introduced anywhere outside their native montane ecosystems.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

5 Countries

2.3M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

CO Colombia PE Peru EC Ecuador BO Bolivia VE Venezuela

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

2,400 m – 3,700 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Blue-backed Conebill is a restless and energetic inhabitant of the high Andes. Unlike many shy forest birds, this species is known for its active and visible foraging style. It is a quintessential member of mixed-species flocks, often seen traveling alongside flowerpiercers, tanagers, and wood-warblers as they move through the canopy and sub-canopy of misty cloud forests.

Its movement is notably acrobatic; it frequently clings to the undersides of branches or investigates clumps of moss and epiphytes, much like a nuthatch or a tit. While they are primarily social birds within their flocks, they can be territorial during the breeding season. They generally show little fear of humans, particularly in areas where eco-tourism and bird feeding stations are established, making them a delight for backyard observers in high-altitude regions.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Blue-backed Conebill on a trail camera, you must focus on height. These birds rarely descend to the ground, preferring the mid-story and canopy. If you have a backyard at high elevation, mount your camera 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet) high, angled toward clusters of epiphytes, mossy branches, or flowering bushes like Fuchsia or Brachyotum, which provide the nectar and insects they crave.

Because they are small and move with sudden, jerky motions, use a camera with a very fast trigger speed (0.2 seconds or less) and set it to take a burst of 3-5 photos. This increases your chances of getting a sharp image rather than a blue blur. High-speed video (60 fps) is also excellent for capturing their acrobatic 'hanging' behavior as they probe for food.

If you use feeders, place your camera near a hummingbird feeder or a specialized nectar feeder. While they are not primary nectar feeders like hummingbirds, they are frequent 'robbers' and will visit these stations regularly. Early morning light is the best for bringing out the deep sapphire tones of their feathers; try to position the camera with the sun at its back to avoid silouttes against the bright mountain sky.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Blue-backed Conebill.

Capped Conebill

Smaller with a distinct black cap rather than a full hood, and paler cinnamon underparts.

Blue-and-black Tanager

Lacks the chestnut belly; instead, it is primarily bright blue and black throughout.

Pearled Treerunner

Similar foraging style on bark, but has a spotted/pearled appearance and lacks the bold blue and chestnut color block.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Blue-backed Conebills are most active during the early morning hours, roughly from dawn until 10:00 AM, when mixed-species flocks are most vocal and mobile. They have a secondary peak of activity in the late afternoon before the high-altitude temperatures drop at dusk.

In high-altitude regions, you can attract them by planting native flowering shrubs like Fuchsia or by maintaining moss-covered trees. They are also attracted to nectar feeders and sometimes halved fruit, though they prefer the insects found in natural vegetation.

Their diet is a mix of small insects, spiders, and nectar. They are famous for their 'probing' technique, using their sharp bills to find prey hidden in moss, bromeliads, and bark crevices.

They are common only in suburban areas that sit at high elevations (above 2,400m) and are adjacent to montane forest or cloud forest remnants, such as the outskirts of Quito or Bogotá.

The Blue-backed Conebill has a much darker, deep blue back and a fully black head/throat. The Capped Conebill is generally brighter blue and has a more defined black 'cap' rather than a full hood, with lighter buffy-cinnamon underparts.

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