Hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds in the world, but even among hummingbirds there are size differences between species. The largest hummingbird species have wingspans over 8 inches and can be over 6 inches long from bill to tail. Understanding the size differences between hummingbird species can help birders identify the giants among these tiny, fast-flying birds.
Largest Hummingbird Species
Here are some of the largest hummingbird species:
Giant Hummingbird
The Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas) is the largest species of hummingbird. It is found in parts of the Andes in western South America. The Giant Hummingbird has a total length of 8.6–9.8 inches (22–25 cm) and a wingspan of 4.7–5.9 inches (12–15 cm). Their bill is around 2 inches long. They are larger than many other species of birds, not just hummingbirds. Their extra large size helps them defend flower patches.
White-necked Jacobin
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is another very large hummingbird species found in South America. It measures 7.5–9.4 inches (19–24 cm) long with a bill length up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm). Its wingspan ranges from 4.3–5.5 inches (11–14 cm). A distinguishing feature is the white streaks on its neck sides.
Violet-tailed Sylph
The Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) is a large hummingbird that lives in the cloud forests of the Andes Mountains. It measures 7.5–8.3 inches (19–21 cm) long with a bill length up to 2.4 inches (6 cm). Its wingspan is 4.3–4.7 inches (11–12 cm). The male has an iridescent green body and tail with violet tips.
Buff-tailed Coronet
The Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) is found from Costa Rica to Peru. It measures 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) long with a wingspan around 5 inches (12 cm). Distinctive orange buff coloration on its tail makes this large hummingbird unmistakable.
Rufous-crested Coquette
The Rufous-crested Coquette (Lophornis delattrei) is another large South American species, found across many countries in the northern Andes region. It measures 6.7–7.5 inches (17–19 cm) long with a wingspan of 4–4.5 inches (10–11.5 cm). Males have a distinctive rufous crest on top of the head.
Hummingbird Size Comparisons
To understand the size of the largest hummingbird species, it helps to look at their dimensions compared to more familiar backyard birds:
| Bird | Total Length | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Hummingbird | 8.6-9.8 in (22-25 cm) | 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm) |
| Northern Cardinal | 8.3-9.1 in (21-23 cm) | 9.8-12.2 in (25-31 cm) |
| American Robin | 9.1-11 in (23-28 cm) | 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm) |
As you can see, the largest hummingbird species are similar in total length to familiar medium-sized songbirds like cardinals and robins. But because of their stubby, compact bodies, hummingbirds have much shorter wingspans. The giant hummingbird’s wingspan is only about half that of an American robin, even though their bodies are around the same length.
Why Are Some Hummingbirds So Large?
There are several theories as to why some hummingbird species evolved to be so much larger than other hummingbirds:
Lower Metabolic Rate
Most hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms to support their fast-beating wings and hovering flight. Their hearts beat over 500 times per minute at rest. The giant hummingbird’s heart beats around 250 times per minute, much slower than other hummingbirds. This allows it to get by with less food, supporting a larger body size.
Thermoregulation
The lower surface-area-to-volume ratio of a larger body can help maintain body heat. This helps the giant hummingbird survive at higher altitudes in cold temperatures. Most other hummingbirds would need to burn too many calories staying warm.
Gliding Flight
Unlike most hummingbirds, the giant hummingbird utilizes a substantial amount of gliding flight. This is likely enabled by its larger size and allows it to conserve energy between periods of flapping flight or hovering.
Intimidation of Competitors
The giant hummingbird’s large size helps it claim flower resources. Smaller hummingbirds avoid competing with giant hummingbirds at food sources, as they can easily be chased away or out-maneuvered in flight contests.
Where and How to Spot Giant Hummingbirds
Here are some tips for seeing the most massive hummingbird species in person:
South America Target Species
Plan trips in the Andes Mountains of South America to target the range of the giant hummingbird, as well as other larger species like the white-necked jacobin and violet-tailed sylph. Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia offer excellent opportunities.
Hummingbird Feeders
In South America, look for hotels, lodges, and tour operators that set up hummingbird feeders to attract these giant nectar-feeders. Sit patiently by the feeders early in the morning for sightings. Feeders placed near flower areas are most likely to attract any visiting giants.
Flower Patches
In the wild, scan flower clearings in the cloud forest and forest edge habitats favored by bigger hummingbird species. Watch for aggressive chasing flights and listen for loud chipping vocalizations to clue into their presence.
Key Identification Features
When you spot a supersized hummingbird in South America, look for these key ID features to confirm it as one of the giant species:
- Very large overall size – may look larger than warblers or sparrows
- Long thick bill that looks heavy for the bird’s body
- Wings short relative to the body when perched
- White underparts or belly
- Loud chips and whistling calls louder than small hummingbirds
Appreciating Giant Hummingbirds
Seeing a giant hummingbird can be a highlight when exploring the biodiversity of South America. Appreciate that these birds carve out a unique niche in the hummingbird family. Their large size equips them to thrive where most tiny hummingbirds cannot. A giant hummingbird whirring by is an unforgettable sight as you realize it’s not your average zippy hummer!
