Hummingbirds are some of the most stunning and captivating birds in the world. Known for their vibrant iridescent colors, speedy flight, and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds have captured the fascination of people across the globe. But with over 300 different species of hummingbirds found throughout the Americas, where exactly can we find some of the most beautiful specimens? Here we will explore some of the most strikingly gorgeous hummingbirds from around the world and where they can be spotted in their natural habitats.
The Sapphire-Spangled Emerald
One of the most brilliantly colored hummingbirds is the Sapphire-Spangled Emerald (Amazilia lactea). As the name suggests, this hummingbird has gorgeous sapphire blue spangles scattered across its emerald green plumage. The male has an iridescent turquoise-blue throat, while the female has white underparts with scattered blue-green spots. This species can be found along the tropical east Andean slope and Amazonian lowlands in South America, mainly in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Some specific places to spot the Sapphire-Spangled Emerald include Manu National Park in Peru, Yasuni National Park in Ecuador, Jaú National Park in Brazil, and El Paujil Bird Reserve in Colombia. These rainforest habitats provide the ideal environment for these stunning hummingbirds to thrive.
The Violet-Crowned Woodnymph
Distinguished by its violet-blue crown, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica) is aptly named for its regal head plumage. The male has iridescent emerald green upperparts and glittering violet-blue crown and throat, while the female has a green crown and white underparts with green streaks on the throat. This species makes its home along the tropical Andes mountains in South America, in parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Prime locations to find the Violet-crowned Woodnymph include the lush cloud forests of Ecuador, like Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve and Yanacocha Reserve. In Colombia, it can be seen in forests parks like Otun-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. And in Venezuela, the species frequents the montane forests of Henri Pittier National Park.
The Blue-Throated Goldentail
With its vibrant blue chin and throat patch, the Blue-throated Goldentail (Hylocharis eliciae) is a real stunner. The male has a metallic golden-green body, bright blue throat, and forked black and white tail. The female is similar but has a lighter golden-green body. This species is endemic to a small region of southwestern Ecuador.
The best place to observe the beautiful Blue-throated Goldentail is at Buenaventura Reserve near Piñas, Ecuador. This private reserve protects critical Chocó forest habitat for threatened endemic birds like the Blue-throated Goldentail.
The Green-Crowned Brilliant
As its name indicates, the Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) has a stunning emerald green crown that glistens in the sunlight. The male has a velvety black throat encircled by an iridescent magenta-pink collar. The female also has a distinctive green crown but lacks the black throat and pink collar. This medium-sized hummingbird inhabits forest and woodland areas from southern Mexico down to Bolivia.
Some prime birdwatching sites to spot the dazzling Green-crowned Brilliant include El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica, and Manu National Park in Peru.
The Spangled Coquette
One tiny but mighty beautiful hummingbird is the Spangled Coquette (Lophornis stictolophus). The male lives up to its name with extravagant ornamentation including a spangled green crest, iridescent green throat, and long black ear tufts. The female is also marked with brilliant green above and whitish below. This hummingbird is found along the eastern Andean slopes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Excellent places to find this bedazzled hummingbird include the cloud forests of Ecuador, like the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest and San Isidro Lodge. In Colombia, it can be seen at reserves like Otun-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.
The Shining Sunbeam
The aptly named Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis) is one of the most radiant hummingbirds in South America. It has an iridescent reddish-orange head and throat, with a metallic golden-green back and chest. The female is similar but has a yellow throat patch and more olive-green plumage. This high elevation species breeds in the Andes Mountains from Venezuela to Argentina.
Prime spots to observe this shining beauty include El Cajas National Park and Guango Lodge in Ecuador and Manu National Park in Peru. It can also be found at top birding lodges in Bolivia like the Colibri House near La Paz.
The Marvelous Spatuletail
With its extraordinarily long racquet-shaped tail feathers, the Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) is aptly named. The male is adorned with iridescent purplish-blue coloration and two long curved tail feathers extending far beyond its body. The female lacks the elongated tail feathers and has more bronze-tinged plumage. This rare and local species is endemic to a small region of northern Peru.
The best place to see this marvelous creature is at the Marvelous Spatuletail Wildlife Refuge near San Pedro de Cajas, Peru. This protected area specifically conserves habitat for this endangered hummingbird species.
The Red-Billed Streamertail
With an astounding 8-inch long scissor-like tail, the Red-billed Streamertail (Trochilus polytmus) certainly draws attention. The male has an iridescent emerald green head and back, with a red bill and bold red belly. The incredibly elongated outer tail feathers give it an aerial grace. Found only on the Caribbean island of Jamaica, this streamertail inhabits forest and garden areas.
For the best chance of observing this Jamaican endemic, head to the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. The streams and forests around Ecclesdown Road provide prime streamertail habitat.
The Velvet-Purple Coronet
The brilliant Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini) really lives up to its regal name. The male has a dazzling iridescent violet-blue crest, face, and throat patch contrasting with its olive-green underparts. The female has a shorter crest and is missing the purple coloration of the male. This striking coronet is endemic to the tropical forests along Brazil’s Atlantic coast.
The best place to observe this royal beauty is at Itororó Atlantic Forest Reserve in Bahia, Brazil. Here, the coronets forage among the lush coastal forest’s flowering shrubs and vines.
Conclusion
With over 300 species, the hummingbird family is incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny bee-sized forms to giant marvels with outrageously long tail feathers. While hummingbirds are only found in the Americas, they’ve evolved and diversified into a breathtaking array of spectacular species across varied habitats from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
From sparkling blue-spangled emeralds of the Andes to flashy streamertails of the Caribbean, it’s clear that some of the world’s most beautiful hummingbirds reach their aesthetic pinnacles in the tropical regions of South and Central America. As jewels of the Neotropics, these hummingbirds dazzle with a diversity of iridescent colors, dazzling ornamental tail plumes, and crowns fit for royalty.
The best places to observe some of Earth’s most aesthetically superb hummingbirds are reserves and parks throughout South America that specifically protect critical habitat for these species. Whether deep in the lush Amazon rainforests or high in the Ecuadorian cloud forests, charismatic hummingbirds can be found throughout their specialized habitats in the tropical Americas.
| Hummingbird Species | Location | Key Physical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire-Spangled Emerald | South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela | – Iridescent turquoise-blue throat in males – Sapphire blue spangles scattered on emerald green plumage |
| Violet-Crowned Woodnymph | Northern Andes: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela | – Violet-blue crown – Emerald green upperparts in males |
| Blue-Throated Goldentail | Southwestern Ecuador | – Metallic golden-green body – Vibrant blue throat |
| Green-Crowned Brilliant | Southern Mexico to Bolivia | – Velvety black throat with magenta-pink collar – Shining emerald green crown |
| Spangled Coquette | Northern Andes: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela | – Long black ear tufts – Spangled green crest and throat |
| Shining Sunbeam | Andes Mountains from Venezuela to Argentina | – Iridescent reddish-orange head and throat – Golden-green back and chest |
| Marvelous Spatuletail | Northern Peru | – Extraordinarily long racquet-shaped tail feathers in males – Iridescent purplish-blue coloration |
| Red-Billed Streamertail | Jamaica | – Long scissor-like tail reaching 8 inches – Red bill and crimson belly |
| Velvet-Purple Coronet | Atlantic Forest of Brazil | – Iridescent violet-blue crest, face, and throat in males – Olive-green underparts |
This table summarizes some of the most beautiful hummingbird species in the world, their geographic distributions, and unique physical features that make them so stunning. The diversity of iridescent colors, specialized tail plumes, and ornamental features help these hummingbirds catch the eye and attract mates.
Key Locations to See Beautiful Hummingbirds
Here are some of the top destinations and reserves to spot some of the world’s most gorgeous hummingbird species:
- Ecuador – Mindo Cloud Forest, Yanacocha Reserve, Buenaventura Reserve
- Peru – Manu National Park, Marvelous Spatuletail Wildlife Refuge
- Colombia – Otun-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Brazil – Itororó Atlantic Forest Reserve
- Bolivia – Colibri House near La Paz
- Venezuela – Henri Pittier National Park
- Costa Rica – La Selva Biological Station
- Mexico – El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve
- Jamaica – Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park
These hotspots protect critical hummingbird habitat and offer the best opportunities to observe some of the world’s most spectacular species in the wild. The reserves encompass a diverse range of environments from Andean cloud forests to tropical lowlands to Caribbean mountains that allow unique hummingbirds to thrive.
Threats Facing Beautiful Hummingbirds
Though captivating, many spectacular hummingbird species face serious threats to their survival in the wild:
- Habitat loss and degradation – Logging, agriculture, development and other human activities destroy forest habitats hummingbirds depend on
- Climate change – Rising temperatures and extreme weather events disrupt flowering cycles and nesting
- Pesticides – Chemical contamination reduces insect food sources and can poison birds
- Uncontrolled tourism – Visitor disturbance can negatively impact breeding and feeding behaviors
- Illegal pet trade – Trafficking for the pet trade removes wild birds from populations
Up to 14% of all hummingbird species are currently at risk of extinction. Protecting their specialized forest and mountain habitats from an array of threats is crucial to conserving populations of the world’s most beautiful hummingbirds.
How to See Hummingbirds on Your Travels
Here are some tips for getting the chance to observe amazing hummingbirds on your trips to the Americas:
- Visit famed reserves and lodges designed for hummingbird sightings like those listed above
- Look for flowers and feeders around hotels and gardens to spot regional species
- Book tours with expert local birding guides who know the best areas
- Pack binoculars and zoom lenses for excellent close-up views
- Look and listen for hummingbird activity while hiking forest trails
- Have patience and move quietly and slowly to spot them feeding on flowers
- Keep an eye out when near their preferred mountain or forest habitats
With a little effort, you can have incredible opportunities to see some of the world’s most brilliantly colored and remarkably adorned hummingbirds, from teeny jewels rocketing by to marvelous spatuletails dangling their grand tails.
Appreciating the Diversity of Hummingbird Beauty
Hummingbirds exemplify natural beauty in so many spectacular forms. Their range of iridescent hues reflects light like living rainbows. Their elegant bills allow them to access nectar no other birds can. And evolved ornaments like elongated tails signal vigor and virility. While tiny, hummingbirds pulse with life. Appreciating their diversity lets us connect with nature’s boundless creativity.
The best places to enjoy these winged wonders are the reserves, parks, and specialized lodges that conserve essential habitat for the rarest species. Responsible ecotourism focused on respecting hummingbird behaviors and habitat is key to promoting both conservation aims and admiring wildlife beauty. Though facing threats, careful stewardship of their environments can help ensure dazzling hummingbirds thrive for generations, captivating human hearts with their unparalleled splendor.
