The buff-bellied hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) is a small hummingbird species found primarily in the coastal regions of the southern United States and Mexico. In this article, we will explore the geographic range and habitat preferences of these tiny, glittering birds.
Range
The buff-bellied hummingbird is found along the Gulf Coast region of the southern United States and in coastal regions of Mexico. In the United States, these birds breed primarily in southern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. Their range extends south along the Mexican Gulf coast through Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and the Yucatán Peninsula.
During the winter months, most buff-bellied hummingbirds migrate to Mexico. However, some individuals may overwinter in the very southernmost parts of Texas. Their winter range includes coastal regions of eastern Mexico from Tamaulipas south to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Breeding Habitat
Within their small U.S. breeding range, buff-bellied hummingbirds inhabit riparian woodlands, forest edges, scrublands, and thickets. They are often found near openings and prefer areas with sufficient flowering plants and arthropod prey.
Some key plants that provide nectar for these birds in their U.S. breeding grounds include:
- Turk’s cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Firecracker plant (Ruellia brittoniana)
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
During the breeding season, male buff-bellied hummingbirds are highly territorial. They defend feeding territories with dense concentrations of flowering plants against intrusions from other males.
Wintering Habitat
In their winter grounds along Mexico’s Gulf coast, buff-bellied hummingbirds occupy a variety of habitats. These include tropical deciduous forests, forest edges, second growth, scrublands, and gardens.
Some plants that provide nectar for buff-bellies in Mexican wintering grounds include:
- Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
- Salvia (Salvia spp.)
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)
- Aloe vera (Aloe vera)
- Coral vine (Antigonon leptopus)
Compared to the breeding season, buff-bellied hummingbirds are less territorial on their wintering grounds. They form loose flocks and feed on a variety of flowering plants.
Year-Round Range
In addition to their migratory habits, buff-bellied hummingbirds can be found year-round in coastal regions of the Yucatán Peninsula. Here, they occupy tropical deciduous forests, forest edges, second growth, and gardens. Some key nectar plants used by buff-bellies in this region include:
- Firecracker plant (Ruellia brittoniana)
- Porterweed (Stachytarpheta spp.)
- Coral vine (Antigonon leptopus)
- Coralillo (Antigonon corallinum)
By occupying both coastal and interior forests in this region, the buff-bellied hummingbird can find suitable habitat year-round within its relatively restricted range.
Elevation
Across their entire range, buff-bellied hummingbirds are generally found at low elevations. In the United States, they breed below 100 meters in coastal woodlands and scrublands. On their Mexican wintering grounds, they occur mainly below 500 meters in tropical deciduous forests and edge habitats.
In the Yucatán Peninsula, where they can be found year-round, buff-bellied hummingbirds occur between sea level and 750 meters in elevation. Within this relatively narrow elevational band, they seek out forest and scrubland habitats that support their nectar and insect food sources.
Population and Conservation Status
The buff-bellied hummingbird has a relatively small global population estimated at less than 50,000 individuals. However, its population appears to be stable, and the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Habitat loss in the southern Texas breeding range is an ongoing threat for buff-bellied hummingbirds. Conservation measures for this species should focus on preservation of riparianbottomland habitats along the southern Texas Gulf coast.
Fun Facts
- The buff-bellied hummingbird gets its name from the distinctive buff-orange coloration on the underside of adult males.
- These tiny birds weigh only about 3-4 grams—similar in weight to a U.S. nickel!
- Unlike many other hummingbird species, buff-bellied hummingbirds do not make long migratory journeys. Their migrations involve short hops down the Mexican Gulf coast.
- Male buff-bellies perform elaborate courtship flights, diving and soaring to impress females.
- Buff-bellied hummingbirds can hover in place by rapidly beating their wings up to 70 times per second!
Conclusion
In summary, the buff-bellied hummingbird inhabits a narrow coastal strip along the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from southern Texas down through eastern Mexico. Though tiny, these resilience birds thrive in scrubland and forest edge habitats from sea level up to around 750 meters in elevation. By defending feeding territories and migrating short distances to follow the bloom of nectar plants, buff-bellied hummingbirds continue to persist across their limited range.
