The berylline hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and the United States.
Region
Mexico and Northern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Mexican highlands south through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, with rare vagrancy into the southwestern United States (notably southeastern Arizona and adjacent New Mexico). Prefers montane and foothill habitats, especially pine–oak forest, forest edges, canyons, and second growth. Frequently uses semi-open landscapes such as shade coffee plantations, gardens, and riparian corridors where flowering resources are abundant. Often descends locally in the dry season to lower elevations to track blooms.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized hummingbird glows with berylline (emerald) greens offset by coppery wings, making it one of the most striking highland hummers of Mesoamerica. It is notably aggressive at flowering trees and feeders, often displacing larger species. The species favors montane pine–oak edges and shade coffee plantations and is a rare vagrant to the southwestern United States. Nests are small cups placed on horizontal branches, typically with two white eggs.
Temperament
territorial and aggressive at feeding sites
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering; swift dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of breeding and feeding aggregations at rich floral resources. Males defend small nectar territories vigorously. Nest is a tiny cup of plant down and spider silk placed on a horizontal branch or in a fork, clutch size two. Males do not assist with incubation or chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local altitudinal and seasonal movements; rare vagrant to the United States
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp chips and dry, buzzy notes given from exposed perches. During chases, notes accelerate into scolding series; audible wing trills may accompany displays.
Plumage
Iridescent berylline-green head, throat, and underparts with a bronzy-green back and rump; wings rich rufous to coppery contrasting strongly with the green body. Tail dark with bronzy tones, slightly notched. Feathers appear glittering in strong light and more matte green in shade.
Diet
Takes nectar from a wide range of tubular flowers on trees, shrubs, and herbs, including Inga, Erythrina, and ornamental blooms. Also gleans or hawks small arthropods for protein, especially during breeding. Aggressively defends productive flowers or feeders from rivals and other species.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, canyons, gardens, and shade coffee plantations where flowering plants are concentrated. Often visits mid-story and canopy blossoms but will also work lower shrubs in semi-open habitats.
