It is a small and delicate hummingbird, showing clear sexual dimorphism while sharing some key traits. Both adult male and female have a straight bill that is pinkish-reddish with a black tip, a distinctive feature, whereas juveniles show a completely black bill. The male displays a bright metallic green plumage over most of its body, with strong iridescent reflections that vary with light, and a slightly forked dark tail. The female is more subdued, with a green back and grayish to whitish underparts, often lightly spotted. Both the female and juveniles show a conspicuous whitish eyebrow and a well-marked white postocular stripe, important identification features. Juveniles resemble the female but with duller tones.
Geographic distribution: It is widely distributed across South America, mainly in eastern and central regions. It occurs in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and much of Argentina, where it inhabits many regions from the north to central areas. In some regions, it may undertake seasonal movements linked to the availability of flowering plants.
Habitat: It occupies a broad range of environments, including forest edges, open woodlands, savannas, shrublands, gardens, and urban areas. It readily adapts to human-modified landscapes and is commonly found in parks and gardens with abundant flowering plants. It prefers areas with plentiful floral resources and sheltered places for resting and nesting.
Feeding: Its diet consists mainly of flower nectar, obtained with its specialized extensible tongue. It also feeds on small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein. These are captured in flight or gleaned from vegetation. It plays an important ecological role as a pollinator, transferring pollen between flowers.
Behavior: It is a highly active and territorial species, especially around feeding sites. Males often aggressively defend areas rich in flowers, chasing away intruders. Its flight is fast and precise, with excellent hovering ability. It produces frequent high-pitched vocalizations. It may perform local movements following flowering patterns.
Nesting: It builds a small cup-shaped nest using plant fibers, moss, and spider webs, which provide flexibility. The nest is usually placed on thin branches or shrubs. The clutch consists of two white eggs, incubated solely by the female. The chicks are fed with partially digested nectar and small insects, and parental care is mainly provided by the female.
Conservation status: It is classified as Least Concern, due to its wide distribution and adaptability to diverse environments, including urban areas. However, it may be locally affected by habitat loss and pesticide use, which reduce food availability.
Author of this compilation: EcoRegistros – 04/17/2026