The bearded helmetcrests (Oxypogon) are a genus of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae found in Colombia and Venezuela. Originally one species – the bearded helmet crest – it is now split into four: White-bearded helmetcrest, (Oxypogon lindenii); Green-bearded helmetcrest, (Oxypogon guerinii); Blue-bearded helmetcrest, (Oxypogon cyanolaemus); Buffy helmetcrest (Oxypogon stuebelii). Native to the Andes mountain range that runs along the western coast of South America, in Venezuela, they are found at altitudes of 12,000 - 15,000 feet (3,600 - 4,500 meters) and in Colombia at 10,500 - 17,000 feet (3,200 - 5,200 meters). Bearded Helmetcrests are easily identified by the long, pointed crests and colourful beards. The female lacks the beard and crest. First described by French ornithologist Auguste Boissonneau in 1840, it is the only member of the genus Oxypogon.
