17 Strange and Beautiful Hummingbird Species [2023]
Welcome to a mesmerizing journey into the world of beautiful hummingbird, where nature’s artistry has created some of the most colorful and enchanting creatures on Earth. This article will explore 17 remarkable hummingbird species, each with its unique characteristics, habitat, breeding habits, fun facts, and scientific names. So, fasten your seatbelts as we take a flight into the vibrant world of hummingbirds!
1. Rufous-Breasted Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus
Appearance
The Rufous-Breasted Hummingbird, known for its striking appearance, boasts iridescent green plumage with a rufous-colored throat patch.
Habitat
These hummingbirds thrive in high-altitude regions, including the Andes Mountains and parts of Central America.
Breeding
They build their nests in sheltered areas, often using spider silk to anchor their nests securely.
Fun Fact
Rufous-breasted hummingbirds are known for their aerial acrobatics and can fly upside down and hover with exceptional agility.
2. Long-Tailed Sylph
Scientific Name: Aglaiocercus Kingi
Appearance
Long-tailed sylphs are a sight to behold, featuring vibrant iridescent blue plumage and, as the name suggests, an impressively long tail.
Habitat
These hummingbirds are commonly found in cloud forests and high-altitude regions in South America.
Breeding
They construct their nests in tree branches, using moss and lichen to camouflage them from predators.
Fun Fact
Long-tailed sylphs are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where males perform intricate aerial dances to impress females.
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3. Rufous-Crested Coquette
Scientific Name: Lophornis denatured
Appearance
The Rufous-Crested Coquette is named for its striking rufous crest, which contrasts beautifully with its iridescent green plumage.
Habitat
They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests in Central and South America.
Breeding
These birds create intricate nests, often incorporating down feathers and moss, to keep their eggs warm.
Fun Fact
Rufous-crested coquettes are known for their aggressive nature and are often seen defending their territory vigorously.
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4. Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Chrysolampis mosquitus
Appearance
Ruby-Topaz Hummingbirds are aptly named for their dazzling ruby-red throats and crown feathers.
Habitat
They are primarily found in lowland tropical forests and gardens in South America and the Caribbean.
Breeding
Their nests are meticulously woven from plant fibers and camouflaged with lichen.
Fun Fact
These tiny birds have incredible stamina and can beat their wings up to 80 times per second during flight.
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5. Anna’s Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Calypte anna
Appearance
Anna’s Hummingbirds are known for their striking emerald-green plumage and iridescent rose-red throats.
Habitat
They are native to the western coast of North America, including California and parts of Mexico.
Breeding
Anna’s Hummingbirds often nest in urban areas, using twigs, leaves, and spider silk.
Fun Fact
Unlike many hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents in their habitat and do not migrate.
6. White-Booted Racket-Tail Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Ocreatus underwood
Appearance
These hummingbirds sport striking white leg feathers, which resemble tiny boots, in addition to their iridescent plumage.
Habitat
They are commonly found in the montane forests of South America.
Breeding
White-Booted Racket-Tail Hummingbirds are known for their elaborate, pendulum-like courtship displays.
Fun Fact
The males of this species use their elongated tail feathers in aerial displays to attract females.
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7. Cinnamon Hummingbird
Scientific Nam: Amazilia rutila
Appearance
Cinnamon Hummingbirds are named for their cinnamon-colored plumage, which is adorned with iridescent green feathers.
Habitat
They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of Central and South America.
Breeding
These birds are known for their remarkable nesting behavior, often building their nests in unusual places like cacti.
Fun Fact
Cinnamon Hummingbirds have a distinctive call that resembles the chirping of crickets.
8. Green Hermit
Scientific Name: Phaethornis guy
Appearance
The Green Hermit is known for its vibrant green plumage and striking iridescent throat.
Habitat
They are primarily found in humid rainforests in Central and South America.
Breeding
Green Hermits construct pendulous nests made of plant fibers and spider silk.
Fun Fact
These solitary birds are known for their territorial behavior and are often seen chasing away intruders.
9. Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Amazilia tzacatl
Appearance
The Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird features an iridescent green body and, as the name suggests, a rufous-colored tail.
Habitat
They inhabit a wide range of environments, from rainforests to urban gardens, in Central and South America.
Breeding
These birds are known for their flexible nesting habits and can adapt to various nest locations.
Fun Fact
Rufous-tailed hummingbirds are excellent pollinators and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
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10. Brown Violetear
Scientific Name: Colibri delphine
Appearance
The Brown Violetear is known for its striking violet ear patches and iridescent green plumage.
Habitat
They are commonly found in cloud forests and high-altitude regions in Central and South America.
Breeding
Brown Violetears build their nests on tree branches, often using moss and lichen for camouflage.
Fun Fact
These hummingbirds are named for the violet patch behind their eyes, which is often difficult to see.
11. Green Crowned Brilliant
Scientific Name: Heliodoxa jacula
Appearance
Green Crowned Brilliants are characterized by their brilliant green plumage and violet crown.
Habitat
They are native to the high-altitude forests of Central and South America.
Breeding
These birds construct cup-shaped nests using moss, plant fibers, and spider silk.
Fun Fact
Male Green Crowned Brilliants often perform dazzling aerial displays to attract females.
12. Chestnut-Breasted Coronet
Scientific Name: Boissonneaua matthewsii
Appearance
Chestnut-Breasted Coronets feature a chestnut-colored breast and a shimmering green head.
Habitat
They are primarily found in cloud forests and montane regions in South America.
Breeding
These birds build their nests in shrubs and trees, carefully concealing them from predators.
Fun Fact
Chestnut-Breasted Coronets are known for their distinctive whistling calls.
13. White-crowned hummingbird
Scientific Name: Leucochloris albicollis
Appearance
White-crowned hummingbirds are named for the white plumage on their heads, which contrasts with their green bodies.
Habitat
They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions in North America, including parts of the southwestern United States.
Breeding
These birds often build their nests on cacti and shrubs, using plant fibers and spider silk.
Fun Fact
White-crowned hummingbirds are known for their territorial behavior and will fiercely defend their feeding areas.
14. Ecuadorian Hillstar
Scientific Name: Oreotrochilus chimborazo
Appearance
The Ecuadorian Hillstar is known for its striking metallic green plumage and white throat.
Habitat
They are native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America.
Breeding
These birds construct cup-shaped nests in rocky crevices, protecting their eggs.
Fun Fact
Ecuadorian Hillstars are adapted to high altitudes and can be found at elevations of up to 4,000 meters.
15. White-necked Jacobin Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Florisuga Mellivora
Appearance
White-necked Jacobins are characterized by their white neck feathers and iridescent green plumage.
Habitat
They are commonly found in tropical rainforests and lowland areas in Central and South America.
Breeding
These birds build intricate nests using moss, lichen, and plant fibers, often high in trees.
Fun Fact
White-necked Jacobins are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding areas.
16. Velvet-Purple Coronet
Scientific Name: Boissonneaua jardini
Appearance
Velvet-Purple Coronets are known for their deep purple plumage and iridescent green crown.
Habitat
They inhabit cloud forests and high-altitude regions in Central and South America.
Breeding
These hummingbirds construct compact nests in shrubs and trees, often camouflaging them with moss.
Fun Fact
Velvet-Purple Coronets are excellent hoverers and can maintain a stable position while feeding.
17. Green-Throated Mango
Scientific Name: Anthracothorax viridis
Appearance
Green-throated mangos feature brilliant green plumage and a vibrant emerald throat.
Habitat
They are native to tropical forests and gardens in Central and South America.
Breeding
Green-throated mangos build cup-shaped nests using plant fibers and spider silk.
Fun Fact
These birds are known for their rapid wing beats and agile flight, making them efficient pollinators.
Conclusion
In this captivating journey through the world of hummingbirds, we’ve explored 17 stunning and colorful species, each with its unique charm and characteristics. From the high-altitude habitats of the Rufous-Breasted Hummingbird to the vibrant urban gardens of Anna’s Hummingbird, these tiny creatures continue to awe and inspire us with their beauty and behavior. Remember, these marvelous birds are not only a visual delight but also play a vital role in our ecosystems as pollinators. So, the next time you spot a hummingbird, take a moment to appreciate the wonder of nature’s artistry.
FAQ’s:
Q1: What is the most beautiful type of hummingbird?
The beauty of hummingbirds is subjective, as different people may have varying preferences. However, many people find the iridescent and colorful species, such as the Long-Tailed Sylph or the Velvet-Purple Coronet, to be among the most beautiful hummingbirds.
Q2: Which hummingbird is the most colorful, male or female?
In most hummingbird species, it’s the males that tend to be more colorful and vibrant than the females. Males often display vibrant plumage and iridescent throat patches, which they use to attract females during courtship displays.
Q3: Is there a multi-colored hummingbird?
Yes, many hummingbirds are considered multi-colored due to their iridescent plumage. Their feathers can reflect different colors depending on the angle of light, creating a mesmerizing display of colors, including greens, blues, reds, and purples.
Q4: Where are the prettiest hummingbirds?
The prettiness of hummingbirds is subjective and can be found in various regions where these birds are native. Some of the most vibrant and stunning hummingbird species can be found in Central and South America, particularly in countries like Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru.
Q5: Is there a pink hummingbird?
Yes, there are pink hummingbirds. The Andean Hillstar is one example, known for its pink throat feathers. However, pink hummingbirds are relatively rare compared to the more commonly seen green and iridescent species.
Q6: Is a hummingbird color blind?
Hummingbirds are not color blind. They have excellent color vision, often seeing a broader spectrum of colors than humans. This allows them to distinguish various flower colors and locate nectar sources more effectively.
Q7: What is the most aggressive hummingbird?
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its aggressive nature, particularly during the breeding season. They fiercely defend their territories and are often seen chasing away intruders, including other hummingbirds.
Q8: Is there such a thing as a rainbow hummingbird?
While there isn’t a hummingbird species that is specifically called a “rainbow hummingbird,” many hummingbirds exhibit a rainbow-like iridescence in their plumage. The interplay of light on their feathers can create a stunning array of colors, resembling a miniature living rainbow.
