There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds in the world, but only a small number have an all black head. Hummingbirds with this distinctive physical trait tend to be found in specific regions, such as Central America and the Andes Mountains in South America. Identifying the species of an all black-headed hummingbird requires looking at key characteristics like size, habitat, geographic location and any colorful plumage on the body. With some detective work and a bit of hummingbird knowledge, it’s possible to pinpoint the species of these striking black-crowned birds.
Central American Species
Hummingbirds with all black heads are most commonly found in the tropical regions of Central America. Here are some of the key species to look for:
Black-crested Coquette
The Black-crested Coquette (Lophornis helenae) is found from Panama to western Ecuador. True to its name, these tiny hummingbirds have a distinctive crest of black feathers on the top of their head. Males have colorful green, blue and white plumage on their bodies, while females have a pale green underside. Their black heads really stand out against the bright colors.
Green Thorntail
The Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) is found from Nicaragua to Peru. It has vibrant green plumage, apart from its all black head and tail. The males have a striking red-tipped black tail. This species favors tropical evergreen forests and dense shrubs along streams. Look for them in the understory and forest edges.
Black-crested Coquette
The Black-crested Coquette (Lophornis helenae) is found from Panama to western Ecuador. True to its name, these tiny hummingbirds have a distinctive crest of black feathers on the top of their head. Males have colorful green, blue and white plumage on their bodies, while females have a pale green underside. Their black heads really stand out against the bright colors.
Green Thorntail
The Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) is found from Nicaragua to Peru. It has vibrant green plumage, apart from its all black head and tail. The males have a striking red-tipped black tail. This species favors tropical evergreen forests and dense shrubs along streams. Look for them in the understory and forest edges.
Black-crested Coquette
The Black-crested Coquette (Lophornis helenae) is found from Panama to western Ecuador. True to its name, these tiny hummingbirds have a distinctive crest of black feathers on the top of their head. Males have colorful green, blue and white plumage on their bodies, while females have a pale green underside. Their black heads really stand out against the bright colors.
Green Thorntail
The Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) is found from Nicaragua to Peru. It has vibrant green plumage, apart from its all black head and tail. The males have a striking red-tipped black tail. This species favors tropical evergreen forests and dense shrubs along streams. Look for them in the understory and forest edges.
Black-crested Coquette
The Black-crested Coquette (Lophornis helenae) is found from Panama to western Ecuador. True to its name, these tiny hummingbirds have a distinctive crest of black feathers on the top of their head. Males have colorful green, blue and white plumage on their bodies, while females have a pale green underside. Their black heads really stand out against the bright colors.
Green Thorntail
The Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) is found from Nicaragua to Peru. It has vibrant green plumage, apart from its all black head and tail. The males have a striking red-tipped black tail. This species favors tropical evergreen forests and dense shrubs along streams. Look for them in the understory and forest edges.
Andean Species
In the Andean highlands of South America, here are some species to look for with all black heads:
Black Inca
The Black Inca (Coeligena prunellei) is found in humid Andean forests from Venezuela to Bolivia. As the name suggests, the males of this species are jet black all over, shimmering with a green and purple iridescent sheen in bright light. Females are brownish-gray with white spotting on the throat.
Brown Violetear
The Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae) is found from Venezuela to Peru. Both males and females of this large hummingbird species have a distinctive all black head. Their plumage is otherwise green on the back and chestnut brown on the underside. They have an undulating flight style.
Tourmaline Sunangel
The Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis) inhabits elfin forests and paramo at high elevations from Venezuela to Peru. The males are mostly purple-black in color, with a brilliant turquoise gorget. Females have lighter plumage but share the all black head.
Glowing Puffleg
The Glowing Puffleg (Eriocnemis vestitus) is found in cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru. Males are black overall with bright white leg puffs, while females have darker plumage with white dots behind the eye. Both have the defining all black head.
Black Inca
The Black Inca (Coeligena prunellei) is found in humid Andean forests from Venezuela to Bolivia. As the name suggests, the males of this species are jet black all over, shimmering with a green and purple iridescent sheen in bright light. Females are brownish-gray with white spotting on the throat.
Brown Violetear
The Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae) is found from Venezuela to Peru. Both males and females of this large hummingbird species have a distinctive all black head. Their plumage is otherwise green on the back and chestnut brown on the underside. They have an undulating flight style.
Tourmaline Sunangel
The Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis) inhabits elfin forests and paramo at high elevations from Venezuela to Peru. The males are mostly purple-black in color, with a brilliant turquoise gorget. Females have lighter plumage but share the all black head.
Glowing Puffleg
The Glowing Puffleg (Eriocnemis vestitus) is found in cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru. Males are black overall with bright white leg puffs, while females have darker plumage with white dots behind the eye. Both have the defining all black head.
Other Possible Species
Here are a few other hummingbird species to consider if you spot an all black head in the wild:
Purple-throated Mountain-gem
Males of this species found in Ecuador and Colombia are all black with a purple throat. Females are gray with white spotting.
Sword-billed Hummingbird
This species is found in parts of the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. Males have mostly green plumage with coppery-red underparts, while females are green with buffy undersides. Both have a distinctively long black bill.
White-tailed Hillstar
Found in parts of Bolivia and Argentina, both sexes of this species have black heads with white edging to some of the feathers. The rest of the plumage is mostly green.
Amethyst-throated Sunangel
Males of this species found in Ecuador have a black head and body with an amethyst gorget. Females have light streaking on the head but retain the black coloration.
Identifying Features
When trying to identify a hummingbird species with an all black head, look for these key features:
Size
Pay attention to the bird’s overall size and wing span. Larger hummers include the Brown Violetear, while smaller ones include the Black-crested Coquette.
Beak shape and length
Take note of beak size, length and curvature. A long decurved bill indicates the Sword-billed Hummingbird.
Tail shape and markings
Check if the tail is forked, squared off or pointed. Look for any colorful tips or white edging.
Gorget color and shape
Some males may have a brightly colored throat patch or “gorget”, like the Purple-throated Mountain-gem.
Leg puffs
Puffs of white feathers on the legs are unique to the Glowing Puffleg.
Habitat
Consider the habitat the bird is found in, whether Andean cloudforest or tropical lowland forest, for clues to the species.
Geographic Range
The range of the hummingbird species provides a vital clue. For example:
– Black-crested Coquette – Panama to Ecuador
– Brown Violetear – Venezuela to Peru
– Green Thorntail – Nicaragua to Peru
– Black Inca – Venezuela to Bolivia
Knowing country location along with habitat elevations will help pinpoint possibilities.
Conclusion
Identifying a hummingbird species by sight takes practice, especially when you only glimpse a small fluttering bird. But looking closely at physical and behavioral characteristics, while also considering geographic location and habitat, will help you figure out that mystery hummingbird with the jet black head. With a few search tools and some hummingbird wisdom, you’ll soon be able to name the all black-headed beauties that visit your garden. The dazzling Green Thorntail and shimmering Black Inca will no longer be anonymous, but instead be greeted as your new avian friends.
