Are there hummingbirds in Medellin Colombia?

Hummingbirds are found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. Colombia has the most species of any country, boasting 164 of the 355 known hummingbird species. Medellin, as Colombia’s second most populous city located in the Andes mountains, provides excellent habitat for many hummingbird species.

Quick Answers

Yes, there are many species of hummingbirds found in and around Medellin, Colombia. Some species are residents that live in Medellin year-round, while others are migrants that pass through on their yearly migrations between North and South America. The diversity of habitat from urban gardens to forested mountains and valleys near Medellin supports numerous hummingbird species.

With their glittering colors, lightning-fast wingbeats, and aerial acrobatics, hummingbirds are some of the most captivating birds on Earth. Colombia is a major hotspot for hummingbird diversity, home to more species than any other country. Medellin, set in the Andes Mountains, provides excellent habitat for these tiny dynamos.

Medellin’s location near the equator and high elevation create spring-like conditions that enable hummingbirds to thrive. Flowering plants bloom year-round, providing a constant nectar supply. Hummingbirds are a daily sight for residents of Medellin, visiting gardens and parks or buzzing by on their travels.

Keep reading to learn more about the diversity of hummingbirds species found in Medellin,migration patterns, top sites to observe them, and how urban growth has affected populations.

What Hummingbird Species Are Found in Medellin?

Medellin is home to a wide array of hummingbird species. Some take up year-round residence, while others pass through on their migration routes between North and South America. Here are some of the hummingbirds you may spot in Medellin:

Year-Round Residents

• Sparkling Violetear
• Tourmaline Sunangel
• Buff-tailed Coronet
• Booted Racket-tail
• Tyrian Metaltail
• Bronzy Inca
• Mountain Velvetbreast
• Collared Inca
• Brown Violetear
• Andean Emerald

Seasonal Migrants

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Rufous Hummingbird
• Allen’s Hummingbird
• Broad-billed Hummingbird
• Calliope Hummingbird
• Pink-throated Hummingbird
• Amethyst-throated Hummingbird

This is just a sampling of the many species found in the Medellin area. Colombia has 164 hummingbird species, the most of any country, so even more species may pass through during migrations or be rare visitors.

Migration Patterns

Medellin’s location along migration routes brings a changing cast of hummingbird species throughout the year. The Andes Mountains act as a highway for hummingbirds traveling between North and South America.

Here is an overview of the migration seasons in Medellin:

• Winter – November to February. Species diversity peaks as northern migrants arrive, joining year-round residents.
• Spring – March to May. Most migrants depart as spring arrives in North America. Mainly residents present.
• Summer – June to August. Primarily residents present during breeding season.
• Fall – September to November. Migrants begin arriving from the north again.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds arriving all the way from Canada or the Eastern U.S. are an amazing sight in Medellin’s winter. Come spring, these visitors hurry north again to breed during the peak flower season.

Where to Observe Hummingbirds in Medellin

Here are some top sites in and around Medellin to spot hummingbirds:

Parks & Gardens

• Botanical Garden – Over 135 hummingbird species recorded here. Many feeders attract them.
• Simon Bolivar Park – Urban green space where hummingbirds feed on flowers.
• Public orchid exhibitions – When orchids bloom, hummingbirds flock to drink nectar.

Nature Reserves

• Reserva Ecologica Piedras Blancas – Forest reserve on edge of Medellin with hiking trails.
• Parque Arvi – Mountainous park covering 17,000 acres. Take the metrocable up to explore.
• Cerro El Volador – Hummingbird habitat just 15 minutes from downtown.

Feeders & Events

• Hummingbird monitoring – Join scientists banding and studying hummingbirds.
• Backyard feeders – Residents maintain feeders to attract urban hummingbirds.
• Festivals – Medellin hosts hummingbird festivals and celebrations.

Hummingbirds of Medellin by Season

The diversity of hummingbirds changes throughout the year as migrants come and go. Here is an overview of species present by season:

Habitat and Behavior

Medellin’s valley location surrounded by mountains creates diverse habitat types that support different hummingbird species:

Mountains

Hummingbirds like Sparkling Violetear and Tyrian Metaltail inhabit cloud forests on the slopes of the Andes. They feed on flowers of epiphyte plants and shrubs. Some species, like the Bearded Helmetcrest, are endemic to these mountain forests.

Valleys & Gardens

In the valleys and city, hummingbirds visit gardens to feed on ornamental flowers. Species like the Buff-tailed Coronet can regularly be seen in urban areas. Planting native flowering plants will attract more hummingbirds to gardens.

Behavior

Hummingbirds have some interesting behaviors to look for:

• Feeding – They lick nectar from flowers using their long, specialized tongues.
• Aerial displays – Males perform dramatic dive displays to impress females.
• Sunning – Perching in the sun helps regulate body temperature.
• Bathing – Hummingbirds bathe by skimming along and splashing in water sources.

Observing their behaviors and interactions adds to the joy of hummingbird watching.

Threats and Conservation

Hummingbirds face a variety of threats in the Medellin area including:

• Habitat loss – Logging, development, and agriculture reduce forest habitat.
• Climate change – Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns may impact food supplies.
• Pesticides – Chemical pollution can accumulate in bodies and reduce insect food sources.

Protecting mountain forests through parks and reserves is crucial for hummingbird conservation. Urban gardens and green spaces also provide sanctuary. Choose native plants for landscaping to provide food sources. Limiting pesticide use and curbing climate change are also important steps people can take.

The Future of Medellin’s Hummingbirds

While hummingbirds still thrive around Medellin, expanding urban areas pose a threat as wild habitat declines. However, citizens and government can take steps to safeguard the future of these special birds:

• Preserve wild habitats in nature reserves
• Encourage native plant landscaping
• Install urban hummingbird gardens
• Join community science monitoring
• Support research projects
• Promote sustainable practices

Medellin’s hummingbirds captivate residents and visitors alike. By taking actions to protect these tiny torpedoes of the bird world, the city can keep its enviable hummingbird diversity for generations to come.

Conclusion

With 164 hummingbird species, Colombia is a birdwatcher’s dream. In Medellin, these energetic jewels of the sky are a vibrant part of daily life. Backyard feeders buzz with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fresh from North America each winter. Urban forests and nature reserves harbor endemic species found nowhere else. And the migration of these tiny travelers connects Medellin to the broader story of the Americas.

Hummingbirds serve as a reminder that cities can flourish alongside nature. By appreciating hummingbirds, Medellin residents cultivate a vital environmental awareness. The diversity of these charismatic birds enhances the lives of all who share the city. With some planning for future growth and conservation, hummingbirds will continue lighting up Medellin for generations to come.