The blue-chested hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Panama. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Central America and the Chocó lowlands of Colombia and Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Nicaragua through Costa Rica and Panama into northern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It favors moist lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, second growth, and semi-open habitats with abundant flowering shrubs and trees. The species also visits gardens and plantations where native or ornamental nectar plants are present. It is generally common where suitable flowers are available and tolerates moderately disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small hummingbird with a glittering blue chest, it thrives in lowland and foothill forests and often persists in second growth and edges. It forages by hovering at flowers and also snatches tiny insects for protein. Males can be quite territorial at rich nectar sources, performing short, darting displays to chase rivals. Its taxonomy was recently updated, moving from Amazilia to the genus Polyerata.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary while foraging but may gather loosely at blooming trees. Males defend rich nectar sources and perform short, buzzing display flights. The female builds a tiny cup nest of plant down and spider silk on a horizontal branch and performs all incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and buzzy twitters, often given while foraging. Males add rapid, metallic trills during territorial chases or display flights.
