Hummingbirds are known for their bright, iridescent plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. However, not all hummingbird species sport flashy feathers. There are a few species that exhibit more subdued coloration, including various shades of grey and white.
White-eared Hummingbird
One hummingbird species that exhibits white and grey plumage is the White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis). As the name suggests, this hummingbird has conspicuous white “ear” patches on the sides of its head. These white feather tufts are a distinctive feature of the males of this species.
In addition to the white ear patches, the male White-eared Hummingbird has an emerald green throat, grey-blue crown and nape, and a blue-green back. The underparts are mostly grey, with some green spotting on the sides. The tail feathers are rufous-colored with white tips. Females lack the bold white ear patches and have greener and browner plumage overall, though they retain the greyish cast to the body.
The White-eared Hummingbird is found in west-central Mexico and some parts of Central America. Its preferred habitat includes pine-oak forests, maple forests and adjacent semi-open areas. It feeds on nectar from flowers and small insects.
White-throated Mountain Gem
Another hummingbird with prominent white plumage is the White-throated Mountain Gem (Lampornis castaneoventris). Adult males have a vivid violet-blue throat patch bordered by a narrow white collar. The white color extends onto the cheeks and forehead. The top of the head and back are green, while the underparts are grey washed with green.
Females lack the male’s dramatic throat patch and are overall less vibrantly colored. Their throats are whitish, their heads are grey-green, and their underparts are dull grey-green to brownish-grey. Both sexes have whitish tail feather tips.
As their name denotes, White-throated Mountain Gems are found in mountain forests and woodlands of Central America, mainly in Costa Rica and western Panama. They have a particular association with mountain streams and rivers, often foraging around riparian vegetation.
Green-tailed Emerald
The Green-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) is a small hummingbird with white underparts that contrast with its iridescent green back and crown. Adult males have a glittering emerald green throat, nape and upper back. The lower back and rump are bluish-green. The belly and flanks are white, while the undertail coverts are rufous. Females are less brightly colored than males, with a pale grey throat, whitish underparts and greenish upperparts.
As their name reflects, Green-tailed Emeralds have distinctive elongated outer tail feathers that trail behind them in flight. These feathers are bright green with white tips. The combination of white tail streamers and white underparts makes these hummingbirds appear especially pale in flight.
Green-tailed Emeralds are widespread in northern and central South America east of the Andes, occurring in a variety of semi-open and forest edge habitats. They regularly visit ornamental gardens and feeders.
White-bellied Woodstar
The White-bellied Woodstar (Chaetocercus mulsant) is aptly named for its prominent white underparts. The male’s belly, flanks and undertail coverts are snowy white, providing a striking contrast to its iridescent violet-blue crown and throat. The upperparts are mostly bronze-green. Females have a pale grey throat, dull green upperparts and buffy-white underparts.
This small hummingbird inhabits montane forest and elfin forest at high elevations in the Andes Mountains. Its range extends from western Venezuela to central Bolivia. Like many high-altitude hummingbirds, the White-bellied Woodstar has specialized adaptations for cold weather, including dense plumage and the ability to nightly enter torpor to conserve energy.
Buff-tailed Coronet
The Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) is a large hummingbird with a long, strongly decurved bill adapted for feeding from specialized tubular flower shapes. The adult male has a velvety purple-black throat and crown. Its upperparts are bronzy-green. True to its name, the Buff-tailed Coronet has distinctive elongated tail feathers that are rufous or buff-colored with broad white tips. This color combination results in a conspicuous buff and white tail. The underparts are pale grey, providing additional light plumage hues.
Female Buff-tailed Coronets are similar to males but have slightly duller plumage lacking the male’s strongly contrasting purple-black and buff/white pattern. This species occurs along the Andes from western Venezuela to Bolivia, mainly at altitudes between 6,500-11,500 feet.
Amethyst-throated Hummingbird
The Amethyst-throated Hummingbird (Lamprolaima rhami) is a small hummingbird decorated with brightly iridescent purple and turquoise plumage. Adult males have a radiant amethyst purple throat and crown. The nape is turquoise, and the back is golden green. The breast is pale grey, providing subtle lighter tones amidst the dazzling jewel colors. Females are similar but less brilliantly adorned, with greyer throats and paler crowns.
This species is endemic to the tropical dry forests along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and western Panama. Here it occupies woodland, scrub and thornforest habitats. Like other hummingbirds, it frequently visits nectar-rich flowers of trees, vines and epiphytes.
White-tailed Emerald
The White-tailed Emerald (Elvira chionura) lives up to its name with bright green upperparts and elongated outer tail feathers tipped with conspicuous white. Adult males have an iridescent green crown, back, rump and underparts. The flanks are marked with faint white streaks and spots. The outer two pairs of tail feathers sport wide white tips. Females are duller overall, with grey-green upperparts, buffy underparts and faint white tail markings.
White-tailed Emeralds occur in Central America from Costa Rica to Panama, as well as in northwestern Colombia and far western Venezuela. Their preferred habitat includes wet lowland forest and adjacent open areas. Ornamental gardens provide artificial foraging habitat.
Angel of Paradise
The Angel of Paradise (Heliomaster constantii) is a cleverly named hummingbird with bright turquoise upperparts and white underparts. The throat is brilliant turquoise and iridescent lilac. The upper back is golden-green, while the lower back and rump are vivid turquoise. The belly and flanks are clean white. The long outer tail feathers have white tips. Females have duller plumage overall. The throat is grey-blue, the upperparts are greenish, and the underparts are greyish-white.
This aptly named hummingbird is endemic to northeastern Venezuela, where it occurs in forest edge and semi-open habitats at moderate elevations in the Coastal and Andean mountain ranges. It often visits flowering gardens and yards.
White-vented Violetear
The White-vented Violetear (Colibri cyanotus) is another subtly patterned hummingbird with white underparts. Adult males have an intense violet-blue throat and crown. The nape and upper back are golden green. The breast and belly are snowy white, boldly contrasting the vibrant throat. The flanks are greenish with white streaks. Females are similar but less vibrantly patterned, with paler grey-blue throats, duller green upperparts, and darker grey-brown flanks.
As their name denotes, White-vented Violetears have a triangular white patch under the base of the tail, bordered by iridescent violet-blue spots. This gives the undertail a neat white-and-blue checkered appearance.
White-vented Violetears range from western Panama to northwestern Peru, inhabiting forest edges, open woodlands, parks and gardens from sea level up to 8,500 feet elevation.
White-tipped Sicklebill
The White-tipped Sicklebill (Eutoxeres aquila) has a remarkably long, arched, sickle-like bill adapted for obtaining nectar from long tubular flowers. Adult males of this species have extensive white plumage on the underparts, flanks and undertail coverts, contrasting with iridescent green upperparts. The throat and crown are glittering green, while the nape is gold-green. Females are similar but less vibrant, with buffy-white underparts and grey-green upperparts.
As their name suggests, White-tipped Sicklebills have elongated decurved bills that end with small white tips, adding a subtle pale detail. This widespread species ranges from southern Mexico through Central America to Bolivia, mostly in forest and woodland interiors.
White-tipped Swift
The White-tipped Swift (Aeronautes montivagus) is an unusually patterned swift with white underparts and white throat streaks. The rest of the plumage is blackish-brown. The white coloration extends across the throat as fine streaks and onto the breast and belly as solid white. The wings are uniformly dark brown. The tail is blackish-brown with small white spots at the tip of each feather, creating a dotted white terminal tail band.
This species breeds from the southwestern United States through Central America. It often forages aerially over wide open areas. Like other swifts, it is a superb flier capable of rapid, agile flight as it chases flying insect prey.
Summary of Grey and White Hummingbirds
While bright, jewel-like colors are typical of hummingbird plumage, some species do display more subtle grey and white plumage patterns:
- White-eared Hummingbird – white ear patches, grey-blue crown, grey underparts
- White-throated Mountain Gem – white throat patch bordered by iridescent violet-blue
- Green-tailed Emerald – glittering green upperparts, white undertail coverts and white-tipped tail streamers
- White-bellied Woodstar – snow white underparts and undertail
- Buff-tailed Coronet – buffy-white elongated outer tail feathers
- Amethyst-throated Hummingbird – pale grey breast contrasts deep violet-purple crown
- White-tailed Emerald – bold white tips on elongated outer tail feathers
- Angel of Paradise – turquoise upperparts, clean white underparts
- White-vented Violetear – snowy white breast and belly, violet-blue throat
- White-tipped Sicklebill – extensive white on underparts and undertail
- White-tipped Swift – white throat streaks and underparts
While not as vibrantly colored as some hummingbird species, those exhibiting grey and white plumage patterns have a subtle beauty of their own. The paler hues often serve to accentuate and contrast small patches of iridescent color on the throat, crown, or tail.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are justly celebrated for their glittering, jewel-toned plumage in vibrant shades of emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst. However, not all hummingbird species exhibit such flashy colors. A number of species display more demure patterns incorporating grey and white accents. The White-eared Hummingbird has bold white ear patches, the Buff-tailed Coronet sports dramatic buffy-white tail streamers, and the tiny Amethyst-throated Hummingbird contrasts its dazzling violet-purple crown with a soft pale grey breast. While easy to overlook next to their more brightly colored relatives, hummingbirds with grey and white plumage have a refined elegance that is beautiful in its own right.
