about where it is found along bush-lined creeks on small ridges not surpassing 3700 m. The range of this species is restricted by the Jubones-León river valley to the north and northeast and the Puyango-Catamayo drainage basin to the south. No more than 750 individuals have been estimated to exist, and this population is highly threatened by fire, grazing, and gold mining. Nature and Culture International is working with Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Tourism, Water Secretary, municipalities of Saraguro and Zaruma, Kawsay Foundation and local and indigenous communities to establish a new conservation area for this species. The proposed area – spanning around 175,000 acres in Cerro de Arcos – will protect the blue-throated hillstar’s entire habitat in addition to critical páramo and cloud forest ecosystems, wetlands and important water sources. The area will also preserve portions of the Inca trail, an ancient trail used by the Inca empire to connect Cuzco with its northern capital, Quito. References Hillstars Endemic birds of Ecuador Birds of the Ecuadorian Andes Birds described in 2018 Taxa named by Niels Krabbe