The blue-fronted lancebill is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America (Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. It is closely tied to fast-flowing streams, ravines, and waterfall zones within primary and mature secondary forest. Birds often forage along shaded stream margins and in the understory to midstory. It favors areas with abundant tubular flowers and overhanging rocks suitable for nest placement.
Altitude Range
100–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-fronted lancebill is a hummingbird with a long, straight, lance-like bill adapted to probing deep tubular flowers along shaded streams. It often nests on mossy, vertical rock faces near waterfalls, where spray keeps the nest cool and moist. The iridescent blue forecrown is most pronounced in males, and both sexes supplement nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Blue-fronted Lancebill in Peru
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside of breeding, with males defending small streamside feeding territories. Nests are cup-shaped, built of moss and spider silk, and placed on vertical rock faces or under overhangs near splashing water. The female handles most nest construction and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched chips and thin tseet notes, often given during territorial chases. Males may produce rapid, buzzy trills and sharp ticks while hovering near perches.
Plumage
Metallic green to bronzy-green upperparts with dusky gray underparts and a slightly forked tail. Forecrown shows a distinct iridescent blue patch, especially in males. Feathers appear sleek and glossy with subtle bronzy sheen on the back.
Diet
Primarily nectar from long, tubular flowers along shaded streams and forest edges. It also hawks small insects and spiders mid-air or gleans them from foliage to obtain essential proteins. The straight, elongated bill allows access to deep corollas that many other hummingbirds cannot exploit.
Preferred Environment
Forages along fast-flowing creeks, waterfalls, and ravines in dense, humid forest. Often feeds in the understory to mid-canopy where flowering plants are abundant and perches are available near water.
