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Violet-throated Metaltail Metallura baroni is a threatened hummingbird species, endemic to the Andes of southern Ecuador. Details about the reproductive biology of this species are largely unknown. In this manuscript, we describe the nest, eggs, and nestlings"™ development based on nine nests found along with the Cuenca-Molleturo-Naranjal road, in Cajas National Park, in 2019. We document a breeding period from March to May, which corresponds to the rainy season. All nests were found in roadside embankments, and were constructed with mosses, small twigs, rootlets, Polylepis sp. (Rosaceae) bark, and Puya sp. (Bromeliaceae) fibers. In all nests, we found two white oval eggs that were exclusively attended by a female across the breeding period. Hatching to fledging period lasted 28-32 days. Nesting at roadsides can be particularly risky due to a high probability of collision with vehicles; thus, an assessment of the breeding success of M. baroni on nests located at roadsides is a research priority for this species. The information provided here increases the knowledge about the natural history of M. baroni.

Summary The Blue-throated Hillstar Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus is a recently described hummingbird endemic to the southern Andes of Ecuador. This “Critically Endangered” species faces multiple conservation problems; thus, acquiring basic ecological information is a key step for guiding sound and integral conservation actions. We performed a series of expeditions throughout the cordillera Chilla-Tioloma-Fierro Urco to gain new data about its ecology, abundance, breeding, and distribution. From November 2019 to March 2020, we surveyed a total of 161.6 km searching for O. cyanolaemus, and gathered data on encounter rates, microhabitats used, and flower resources used. From November 2020 to January 2021 we studied the breeding ecology of the species. Occurrence records of O. cyanolaemus were used to build a species distribution model, based on climatic variables and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). We found that the species is relatively more abundant in the western and central portion of its distribution range. Males were found using more shrubby habitats than females, who used more open habitats. They visited flowers of 11 plant species, with Chuquiraga jussieui and Puya ssp. being the most frequently used flowers. Nests were found in caves and rocky walls, and only one out of three active nests was successful. The distribution model indicated that the species has a potential distribution range of 62.7 km2. This manuscript is the first comprehensive evaluation of the ecological requirements of the species, and the information provided has important potential for use as a conservation guide for the species and its habitats.

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