One of the commonest hummingbirds in the Andes, found from Venezuela south to central Argentina and Chile in a wide range of semi open habitats (including parks and gardens). More common on drier western slopes and valleys of Andes than the tropical eastern side, found at altitudes between 400-4500m. The Leonotis nepetifolia flower is a very popular species with hummingbirds and originally native to Africa and India; it has been introduced to South America. Local name: picaflor de cara azul.