The mountain velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi) is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae.

Seven subspecies are recognized:[3] In the early 20th century at least one author treated L. l. liriope and L. l. saul as separate species.

Males have a thin decurved black bill whose length and curvature vary among the subspecies.

L. l. orestes differs from the nominate only in its greatly decurved bill and white outer tail feathers.

[6] The mountain velvetbreast makes seasonal movements between the lower elevation forest and the higher páramo.

[6] The mountain velvetbreast feeds on nectar from a variety of plants that have long tubular flowers; those of genus Siphocampylus seem to be especially favored.

It is usually placed 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) above ground in vegetation on a steep rock face or earthen bank, though sometimes on a tree trunk.

The mountain velvetbreast's calls include "a repeated high-pitched 'tseee' or 'pseeuw', sometimes followed by a stuttering descending series", "soft 'tek' notes", and "a thin rattle".