Yes, Ecuador is home to over 130 species of hummingbirds. The country’s diversity of habitats, from the Galápagos Islands to the Amazon rainforest, provides ideal conditions for these tiny, colorful birds. Hummingbirds are a highlight for visitors to Ecuador and an important part of the country’s avifauna.
How many species of hummingbirds are there in Ecuador?
Ecuador has at least 132 species of hummingbirds, according to records from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This is an exceptionally high diversity – Ecuador has nearly 10% of the world’s hummingbird species, even though the country only covers 0.2% of the Earth’s surface.
Some key facts about hummingbird diversity in Ecuador:
- There are 9 endemic hummingbird species that occur nowhere else on Earth.
- 25 hummingbird species in Ecuador are regional endemics, occurring only in NW South America.
- A further 37 species are endemic to the Andes mountains.
- 61 species have been recorded on the Ecuadorian mainland.
- 42 species are found in the Galápagos Islands, with 11 endemic species.
Endemic hummingbird species of Ecuador
The endemic hummingbirds of Ecuador, found nowhere else in the world, include:
- Black-breasted hillstar
- Buff-tailed coronet
- Chestnut-breasted coronet
- Gorgeted sunangel
- Rainbow starfrontlet
- Sapphire-vented puffleg
- Violet-throated metaltail
- Gorgeted puffleg
- Royal sunangel
Range-restricted hummingbirds
In addition to the endemics, there are many Ecuadorian hummingbirds with tiny global ranges, such as:
- Bronzy inca
- Brown violetear
- Collared inca
- Purple-bibbed whitetip
- Velvet-purple coronet
What types of habitat do hummingbirds occupy in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s hummingbirds can be found in a wide variety of habitats across the country:
Lowland rainforest
The Amazon rainforest in eastern Ecuador harbors species like the rufous-crested coquette, gilded hummingbird, and many hermit hummingbirds.
Cloud forest
Humid montane forests along the Andean slopes are home to dazzling hummingbirds like the emerald-bellied puffleg, bronze-tailed plumeleteer, andEmpress brilliant.
High-altitude grasslands
The paramo ecosystem above treeline hosts hummingbirds like the rainbow-bearded thornbill, Ecuadorian hillstar, and great sapphirewing.
Mangroves
Coastal mangrove forests provide habitat for the rare rufous-necked wood-rail and purple-chested hummingbird.
Arid scrub
In southern Ecuador, dry thorny woodlands support populations of the critically endangered Esmeraldas woodstar.
Galápagos Islands
11 endemic hummingbird species in the Galápagos have adapted to the islands’ arid climate and scrubby vegetation.
What is Ecuador’s national bird?
The national bird of Ecuador is the Andean cock-of-the-rock. This iconic crimson-colored, crested bird is a member of the cotinga family, not a hummingbird.
However, hummingbirds feature prominently as national symbols of Ecuador. The sparkles hummingbird appears on the Ecuadorian coat of arms. An image of a hummingbird also appeared on the reverse of Ecuadorian 1000 sucres banknotes in the 1980s and 1990s.
When and where can I see hummingbirds in Ecuador?
Here is an overview of the top places to observe hummingbirds in Ecuador throughout the year:
Quito area
Quito and its surrounding valleys offer accessible and convenient hummingbird watching. Key sites include:
- Yanacocha Reserve
- Guango Lodge
- Bellavista Cloud Forest
- Mindo Cloudforest Foundation Reserve
The best time is the dry season between June and September. Over 30 species can be seen. Highlights include sword-billed hummingbird, mountain velvetbreast, and great sapphirewing.
Eastern Andean slopes
Rainforest lodges in the east offer phenomenal hummingbird diversity. Prime destinations:
- Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cabañas San Isidro
- Sachatamia Lodge
- Copalinga Lodge
The wet season months of February to May are ideal. Marvel at display leks of wires and coquettes. Target specialties like the rufous-vented whitetip and violet-headed hummingbird.
Southern Ecuador
The biodiversity hotspot of Podocarpus National Park is a paradise for hummingbird lovers. Key sites:
- San Isidro Lodge
- Tapichalaca Reserve
- Cajanuma Ranger Station
- Podocarpus National Park
September-November is peak season. High-altitude species like the rainbow-bearded thornbill can be seen alongside lowland birds like the many-spotted hummingbird.
Northwest Ecuador
Subtropical forests in the Choco region host range-restricted hummingbird specialties. Productive venues:
- Milpe Bird Sanctuary
- Rio Canandé Reserve
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve
Visit during the dry months of July-September. Target birds like the Esmereldas woodstar, violet-tailed sylph, and purple-chested hummingbird.
Amazon lowlands
Head to a jungle lodge for peak diversity of lowland hummers. Recommended:
- Sacha Lodge
- Napo Wildlife Center
- Yarina Eco-Lodge
- La Selva Lodge
Year-round access, but February-May is the most productive season. Marvel at lekking wires and manakins while watching for rarities like the rufous-crested coquette.
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos host many endemic hummingbird species best seen on Island hopping tours. Prime spots:
- Española Island
- Floreana Island
- Isabela Island
- San Cristobal Island
Visit during the warmer and wetter season from January-May. Highlights range from the diminutive Galápagos woodstar to the colorful purple-crowned fairy.
Conclusion
With over 130 hummingbird species inhabiting diverse ecosystems across mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, the country is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. The variety of range-restricted specialties, colorful endemic species, and incredible breeding displays make Ecuador a must-visit hummingbird destination. With careful planning to pick optimal seasons and sites, observers can see a wide assemblage of Ecuador’s hummingbirds on a birding tour. For hummingbird enthusiasts, naturalists, and ecotourists, Ecuador promises unforgettable encounters with these most exquisite and remarkable of birds.
