The band-tailed barbthroat is a medium-sized hummingbird that is found from southeastern Guatemala and Belize to western Ecuador and western Venezuela.
Region
Central America to northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Guatemala and Belize through Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama to western Colombia, western Ecuador, and western Venezuela. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, and second growth, and is often found near patches of Heliconia. The species also uses shaded plantations, riparian corridors, and selectively logged areas if sufficient understory flowers are present. It is most common in structurally complex understory with abundant nectar resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The band-tailed barbthroat is a hermit hummingbird that forages by traplining, visiting a circuit of flowering plants such as Heliconia and Costus. Its long, decurved bill is well suited to tubular flowers, and females often have a slightly more strongly curved bill than males. It typically nests in a small, cup-like structure suspended beneath a drooping leaf, secured with spider silk. Males may sing from leks, delivering thin, high-pitched notes to attract females.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of breeding, defending rich nectar sources against intruders. Males may gather in loose leks to sing from low to mid understory perches. The nest is a small cup slung beneath a large drooping leaf, built from plant fibers and spider silk; the female alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched squeaks or tsee notes delivered repeatedly from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp chips and buzzy notes during interactions at flowers.
